Old Feuds: Super Rugby Americas Braces for Wide-Open 2026 Season

With the countdown to the 2026 campaign well underway, Super Rugby Americas has locked in all eight squads and coaching teams, setting the stage for what could be the most unpredictable season yet.

South American rugby enjoyed another landmark year in 2025, and the upcoming edition of the tournament looks ready to build on that momentum. Traditional rivalries are set to reignite, while a new generation of players prepare to announce themselves on a bigger stage. Since Peñarol edged a classic final to lift last year’s title, sweeping changes across the league have reshaped the competitive landscape, making any clear favourite hard to identify.

The competition enters new territory in 2026 with the introduction of a fourth Argentine franchise, expanding the league to eight teams for the first time. Each side will meet home and away across a fourteen round regular season, before the top four advance to the playoffs. The season gets underway on February 20 and concludes with the final on June 19.

Broadcast coverage remains anchored in South America via ESPN and Disney+, while international viewers can rely on match highlights through YouTube. Last season’s final was also shown live on RugbyPass, though a full overseas broadcast deal has yet to be confirmed.

Peñarol

Montevideo, Uruguay
Head coach: Ivo Dugonjic
2025 finish: Champions

Peñarol reasserted their status as the tournament’s benchmark in 2025, bouncing back from an underwhelming previous year to claim a third title. Their thrilling one point victory over Dogos in the final was an instant classic, showcasing the attacking freedom encouraged by Dugonjic.

The champions enter 2026 in transition, however, with several Uruguay internationals stepping away to manage workloads or focus on life beyond rugby. Key departures include Andrés Vilaseca, Felipe Etcheverry, Santiago Álvarez and Carlos Deus. As a result, younger players are expected to shoulder more responsibility.

There is still quality arriving in Montevideo. The return of world class flanker Manuel Ardao, back from two seasons in Major League Rugby, adds immediate bite to the back row, while prolific Argentine winger Santiago Marolda strengthens their finishing options.

Dogos

Córdoba, Argentina
Head coach: Diego Ghiglione
2025 finish: Runners up

Dogos came agonisingly close to defending their crown last season, falling just short after a dramatic late surge in the final. Their success came at a cost, with several standout players earning international recognition and overseas contracts.

A powerful front row that defined their recent dominance has been dismantled, with Boris Wenger, Leonel Oviedo and Pedro Delgado all moving abroad. Influential figures Juan Bautista Baronio and Lautaro Cipriani have also departed, alongside head coach Nicolás Galatro.

Ghiglione steps up from assistant coach with a squad that still carries depth and ambition. Expectations may be lower, but emerging centre Faustino Sánchez Valarolo looks poised to take another leap after earning his first Argentina cap at just 21.

Pampas

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Head coach: Juan Manuel Leguizamón
2025 finish: Semi finalists

Pampas once again topped the regular season in 2025, only to stumble when it mattered most. That lingering frustration hangs over the Buenos Aires side as they chase a first title.

Continuity in the coaching box and the high profile arrival of veteran international Santiago Cordero signal clear intent. While the losses of Tomás Rapetti and Justo Piccardo will be felt, Pampas continue to lean into attacking rugby, reinforced by several Pumas Sevens recruits.

The blend of youth and experience defines their approach this season, and the influence of Cordero could be decisive if playoff pressure returns.

Selknam

Santiago, Chile
Head coach: Jake Mangin
2025 finish: Semi finalists

Selknam closed last season with real momentum, surging into the playoffs before being halted by Peñarol. Confidence is high after Chile secured qualification for the 2027 World Cup, and the squad appears stronger and deeper than ever.

The return of Rodrigo Fernández and Lucas Berti from Europe adds leadership, while captain Martín Sigren is back fit after injury. With Raimundo Martínez thriving at the breakdown and winger Nicolás Saab in scoring form, Selknam look well equipped for a genuine title push.

Squad size remains a challenge for Mangin to manage, but depth could prove an advantage in a long campaign.

Tarucas

Tucumán, Argentina
Head coach: Álvaro Galindo
2025 finish: Fifth

Tarucas impressed in their first season, staying in playoff contention until the final round. The departure of league MVP Simón Benítez Cruz, alongside Nicolás Roger and Tomás Medina, leaves a gap, but the core remains competitive.

Matías Orlando adds experience in the midfield, while powerful back rower Nicolás Parada Heit should provide consistent front foot momentum. Tarucas have the tools to surprise again if their young backs find rhythm.

Yacare

Asunción, Paraguay
Head coach: Ramiro Peman
2025 finish: Sixth

Yacare continue to outperform expectations, despite narrowly missing the playoffs last year. A coaching change sees Ramiro Peman promoted, while influential lock Mariano Garcete takes a break from the game.

The squad features more Paraguayan players than ever, aligning with long term national ambitions. Ramiro Amarilla remains central to their hopes as Yacare prepare for arguably the toughest season yet.

Cobras

São Paulo, Brazil
Head coach: Josh Reeves
2025 finish: Seventh

After a winless 2025, Cobras have moved aggressively to close the gap. Their squad now includes ten non Brazilian qualified players, highlighted by the arrival of Olympic medallist Rosko Specman as a player coach.

With World Cup qualification in mind, Brazil are prioritising competitiveness and development. A playoff appearance would represent a dramatic turnaround and signal real progress.

Capibaras

Litoral, Argentina
Head coach: Nicolás Galatro
2025 finish: Debut season

The newest franchise arrives with serious pedigree. Galatro brings championship experience, joined by several former Dogos title winners. Manuel Bernstein adds leadership, while dynamic winger Lautaro Cipriani is tipped to shine.

Although new to the competition, Capibaras look anything but inexperienced. Their immediate impact could further tighten an already fiercely contested league.

As kick off approaches, Super Rugby Americas stands on the brink of a season defined by change, opportunity and genuine uncertainty. For fans and players alike, 2026 promises drama from the first whistle to the last.