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'It's tough when you put a lot of effort into building a team': Former Jaguar finds solace with fellow Super Rugby outcasts

By AAP

19 Jan 2021

Jaguares halfback Tomas Cubelli (Photo by Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images )

Star Argentinian scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli says he feels the pain of the Western Force’s past heartbreak after the Jaguares were also booted out from Super Rugby ranks.

Cubelli is one of four Argentinian internationals to have joined the Force ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby AU season, along with flanker Tomás Lezana, prop Santiago Medrano and flyhalf Domingo Miotti.

The Force were unceremoniously axed from Super ranks in 2017, with only the backing of billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest keeping them afloat until Rugby Australia welcomed the Perth-based franchise back.

We’re back for 2021 and Zeebs, Ryan and Christina are joined by former professional referee JP Doyle to talk through all the latest news and happenings in the world of rugby. The guys chat Christmas celebrations and crazy scenes in the Pro D2.

The Jaguares entered Super Rugby in 2016 with their steady growth resulting in a runners-up finish in 2019.

But the Argentinian outfit must now look for a new home after they weren’t invited to participate in the new trans-Tasman competition that will follow Super Rugby AU.

It’s expected the Jaguares will end up competing in the South American Super Liga Americana de Rugby.

“We are really grateful for the Force to open their doors for us to come and give us that opportunity,” Cubelli said.

“We can feel (an) understanding after what happened to the Force and what happened to the Jaguares in 2020 after this tough year.

“So we feel an understanding, because it’s tough when you put a lot of effort into building a team and a culture, getting that identity. The Jaguares were building one.

“It’s tough, but we are grateful the Force have given us an opportunity.”

The Force will boast plenty of international experience.

Along with the four Argentinian Test players, the Force boast former All Blacks duo Richard Kahui and Jeremy Thrush, Wallabies Tevita Kuridrani and Tom Robertson, and legendary Irish fullback Rob Kearney.

“It’s multicultural, the team,” said Cubelli, who has notched 76 Tests for Argentina, including a starting role in last year’s famous win over the All Blacks.

“I think it’s a positive thing. If we can all get together and bring our best parts and get a good mix of different rugby.”

– Justin Chadwick

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 48 minutes ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 55 minutes ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 6 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU