La Rioja Rugby Player Joins Dogos XV for Super Rugby Americas 2026

A rising talent from La Rioja province, Bautista Fernández Pugliese, is poised to compete on the international stage after being named to the roster of the Dogos XV for the 2026 Super Rugby Americas season. This marks a significant step in the young rugby player’s career, which began at Social La Rioja.

A Local Player Reaches Continental Heights

Fernández Pugliese’s selection to the Dogos XV follows a strong performance with Jockey Club de Córdoba and participation in national programs like the Pre-Pumitas. His inclusion fills the province of La Rioja with pride, demonstrating the potential fostered within the region’s rugby clubs and the Unión Andina.

The Super Rugby Americas Challenge

The Dogos XV, coached by Diego Ghiglione, will debut against Cobras (Brazil) on February 20th. This competition represents the most important tournament in the region, bringing together top teams from across South America. The Super Rugby Americas 2026 will feature a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals on June 12th and the final scheduled for June 19th.

Did You Know? The Super Rugby Americas 2026 will include four Argentinian franchises: Dogos XV, Capibras XV, Pampas, and Tarucas.

Competing Against the Best

In addition to the Argentinian teams, the tournament will also feature Peñarol Rugby (Uruguay), Selknam (Chile), Yacaré XV (Paraguay), and Cobras Brasil Rugby (Brazil). The competition promises to be highly competitive, with Argentinian teams aiming to be key contenders.

Dogos XV Roster

The Dogos XV roster includes a comprehensive list of forwards – Nicolás Revol Pitt, Ezequiel Bustos, Ramiro Iglesias, Baltazar Monforte, Leonel Oviedo, Juan Greising Revol, Valentino Avaca, Nicanor Rins, Octavio Filippa, Galo Fernández, Luca Dugo, Francisco Aguirre, Lautaro Simes, Valentín Gozálvez, Federico Albrisi, Enzo Ocampo, Abraham Elías, Benjamín Vázquez, Augusto Cugnini, Valentín Cabral, Lucio Willington, Aitor Bildosola, Tomás Gómez González, Genaro Fissore, Federico Rolotti, and Gastón Garayzabal – and backs – including Bautista Fernández Pugliese, Nicolás Viola, Genaro Podestá, Fabricio Griffo, Constantino Keller, Julián Hernández, Facundo Rodríguez, Manuel Giannantonio, Agustín De Vertiz, Faustino S. Valarolo, Mauricio Kember, Tomás Canedo, Ernesto Giúdice, Agustín Segura, Leonardo Gea Salim, Facundo Pueyrredón, Mateo Sánchez, Manuel Carrara, Luciano Avaca and Mateo Soler.

Expert Insight: Fernández Pugliese’s inclusion in the Dogos XV highlights the growing strength of regional rugby development programs and the potential for players from provinces like La Rioja to compete at a high continental level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What competition will the Dogos XV participate in?

The Dogos XV will participate in the Super Rugby Americas 2026.

When does the Super Rugby Americas 2026 begin?

The Super Rugby Americas 2026 begins on February 20th.

Who is the coach of the Dogos XV?

The coach of the Dogos XV is Diego Ghiglione.

What impact could this opportunity have on the future of rugby in La Rioja province?