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The Chilean-born centre to South African parents who just made his debut
One third of Súper Rugby Américas has now been completed and Peñarol Rugby after round five, leads the log with 19 points, in arguably the most competitive of the five seasons of professional rugby in South America.
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Chilean side Selknam lie second, having beaten visitors Tarucas, with 16 points, two more than Pampas, the other winners this past weekend, who beat Yacare XV 19-7.
The Uruguayan franchise, champion in 2022 and 2023, travelled to Sao Paulo where they dismantled Cobras Brasil Rugby 35-3. The Brazilians have not won in four games, only managing two bonus points to currently place seventh.
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The first half saw the best of the home-side, keeping within touch of Peñarol Rugby, going to the break only 14-3 behind. Hooker Guillermo Pujadas scored the opening try from the back of a maul and winger Ignacio Facciolo benefited from a magical pass from centre Bautista Farise, who also kicked both conversions.
Far from the opposition try-line, Lucas Tranquez kicked his team’s only three points.
The second half saw Peñarol up the tempo and score through international fullback Bautista Amaya – back from an injury within the first five minutes of the tournament – debutant prop Juan Francisco Aguirre and Joaquín Suárez after a well-placed kick from test flyhalf Tite Etcheverry.
The round had started under lights the night before in Buenos Aires where Pampas benefited from the sending-off of the Paraguayan franchise’s best player over the last couple of seasons – first five Joaquín Lamas. His reckless tackle forced referee Francisco Gonzalez’s hand and the 20-minute red card deprived the losers from their star playmaker.
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Soon after, up-and-coming wing Alfonso Latorre scored Pampa’s third try after 36 minues to go into the break leading 19-0, following tries from hooker Ignacio Bottazzini and number eight Joaquín Moro.
Pampas seemed comfortable with the lead and controlled the second half. Only a 71st minute converted try by Valentino di Capua moved the scoreline, which closed 19-7. Pampas failed to get the four-try bonus point and they are third on 14 points.
The last game was played in incredible conditions in Santiago. The majestic Andes and the view of the city below is a great rugby postcard. There, Selknam played some very good rugby, scoring seven tries, all converted, and their win never seemed to be in danger.
Four converted tries in thirty-two minutes by Selknam meant Tarucas could only play for damage control. They got a last second try to at least leave Chile’s capital with a bonus point but not much else.
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Making his debut for Selknam was soon-to-turn 19 centre Tom Baguley. Unknown in Chilean circles until his return to Chile on January 8th, he could one day become a well-known international.
His story is quite unique. Born in Santiago when his father Lance was Deputy Head and mother Heather taught at Grange School, one of the most exclusive schools in the country, they lived there for ten years. After a two-year stint in Malaysia the family eventually returned home in South Africa, where Tom played for Natal U16 and U18.
Chilean rugby is working hard on succession plans for its national team and working with young up-and-coming players, putting them on a pathway to Los Cóndores.
Selknam assistant coach Nicolás Bruzzone had worked at Grange and knowing about Tom, he reached out. His age and position were ideal for what is planned in Chile Rugby.
Having never returned to Chile since 2012, “I remember living next to the rugby field at the Prince of Wales CC. My two siblings were also born here,” he told RugbyPass.
Classmate of now teammate Marco Albano until he left aged six, “I saw him and the Grange team at a schools sevens tournament to celebrate the game’s 200 anniversary in Rugby, England, which we won. It was like a reunion.”
Tom attended Michaelhouse, 100 miles from Durban.
“I missed out on Natal U18 and Craven Week, but I always dreamt of playing professional rugby. My plan was to study at UCT, Bachelor of Social Studies, but this opportunity came across and I am enjoying my time here.”
“Rugby has always been a strong passion of mine; being a professional is a driving force. It is what I want to pursue, what I love doing.”
The roadmap should take him eventually to represent Chile initially at age-grade or sevens, something he’d see “as a dream, very special. Being back here is special and feels surreal. I am loving every moment, taking it in, and if the opportunity arises I’d take it with both hands.” He is eligible on birth right.
With the Spanish learnt in his early years slowly coming back, and ready to turn nineteen – on May 6 – at 176cms and 87kgs, is working hard to ensure no-one is let down.
So, when he was called on to take the field on the 55th minute, “it was awesome to play again; I had trained very hard but not played since our school season finished last year in June.”
In all, March 16, 2025 will be for him and his family, “a very special day; I felt the support from the fans and from home.”
When the Superliga Americana de Rugby, predecessor to Súper Rugby Américas, was created, it was to offer a higher tier of competition ahead of test-rugby. Now a clear part of the pathway for teams and players, Tom’s story is one of many that know that this is the road that must be taken.
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Great story. I think in next few years this competition will produce some exciting new talent. And standards are improving, club competition with MLR, Hong Kong and teams in NPC or Shute shield would be great for all involved.