A World XV (or World 15) is a rugby union team organised on an unofficial, ad hoc basis and typically composed of invited players from various countries. Several World XVs have been arranged by various bodies since the 1970s, often to take part in celebration and testimonial games, usually against national teams, but these are not considered test matches by most nations.
79-553: In 1980 and 1983, Argentina played World XVs. The first match was played at Ferrocarril Oeste Stadium , Buenos Aires . Argentina went into half time ahead by 16 points to nil and despite an excellent display in the second half by the World XV Argentina were able to secure a 36–22 win. The second match was played in Atlanta Stadium , Buenos Aires , where Argentina secured a second victory 28–20. In March 2019,
158-480: A 16–16 draw with The Springboks in only their second game. The 2014 Rugby Championship saw the first Championship-match win for Argentina who defeated Australia 21–17. 2015 proved to be a successful year for Argentine rugby, including their first ever win over South Africa in the Rugby Championship, and they reached another semi-final at the 2015 Rugby World Cup . In the 2016 Rugby Championship ,
237-406: A 59-point win over Blackheath, a 14–13 victory over Leicester, a quarter final 36–30 win over Richmond, followed by a victory over Northampton. It was the first major silverware that Saracens had won in their 122-year history. The game was also notable for being the last competitive game for two legends of the sport, Lynagh and Sella . Both of them were inducted into Saracens' Hall of Fame. After
316-647: A Presidents' XV and Western Province B. In 1989 a World XV, sanctioned by the IRB and funded by South African Breweries , played two tests against South Africa in celebration of the centenary of the South African Rugby Board (SARB). The Springboks won both, by 20–19 at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town and the second by 22–16 on 2 September at Ellis Park in Johannesburg . In May and June 2006
395-455: A South Africa XV at Walkers Stadium in Leicester , losing 32–7. This game was to mark the centenary of South Africa's overseas tours. In 2014, a World XV captained by Matt Giteau and coached by Nick Mallett played a South Africa XV, who won 45–24. In 2008, a World XV played a Coronation Tongan XV side, in a game to celebrate the coronation of Tonga 's King, [Kev O’Neill]. Tonga won
474-892: A World XV captained by Andrew Ellis and coached by Robbie Deans played the Western Force , who won 26–16 as the opener of the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby season in HBF Park , Perth . In March 2024 it was announced, that for the first time, France would played a World XV side in Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium in June 2024. The game was scheduled to be played in June 2024 with Ian Foster appointed as head coach, and players such as Owen Farrell , Camille Lopez , Maxime Machenaud , Semi Radradra , Billy Vunipola and Mako Vunipola all confirmed as players. However, by May 2024,
553-598: A World XV, sponsored by South African company Steinhoff Holdings and coached by Bob Dwyer , played three games – against Saracens in London, then against South Africa at Ellis Park and Western Province XV at Newlands. The latter match was a testimonial for former South Africa captain Corné Krige , who led the Western Province side. In December 2006, again coached by Dwyer, a Steinhoff-backed World XV played
632-551: A bold strengthening of the squad, for once eschewing their cosmopolitan recruitment policy and securing mainly English based players, possibly with one eye on the effect that international call-ups had had in previous seasons. In came Kevin Yates , Iain Fullarton , Alex Sanderson , Dan Scarbrough and Hugh Vyvyan , while Matt Cairns returned to the club and Steve Diamond arrived at the club as forwards coach. Another signing who
711-508: A bonus point win was secured against the Newcastle Falcons. A morale-boosting run of results followed, losing only three times between October and the following March. No individual result could quite produce the reaction that the return of England's Richard Hill to top flight action, with supporters of both clubs giving Hill a huge ovation on his return to the pitch after 18 months of knee reconstruction, capping off his comeback with
790-637: A change of emblems not only of the body but of the national teams, from senior to 7s and youth representatives. The process included the substitution of the characteristic jaguar figure with the puma, used as a namesake for the team since the 1965 tour in Rhodesia and South Africa . That same year the UAR released the Pumas' away kit inspired by the uniform of the Mounted Grenadiers Regiment ,
869-615: A crop of younger players coming through the club system. After a reasonable start to the season, Saracens found themselves in their -by then- accustomed top half of the table position. The curse of the Autumn Internationals once again took its toll, and Saracens' performances weakened drastically. Entering the New Year, Saracens were again flirting with relegation danger, and soon exited all cup competitions. With morale sinking, Pienaar stepped down from his various roles with
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#1732794507626948-437: A difficult away trip to Llanelli. Turning to Europe, Saracens' return to Heineken Cup action also saw the return of Glasgow Warriors to Vicarage Road. As in the two European Challenge Cup home games against the same team in the previous season, Saracens ran out bonus point winners, albeit not without defensive frailties causing anxious moments going into the final minutes of the game. The following weekend Saracens lost out by
1027-447: A fifth-place finish saw the club miss out on a Heineken Cup place. The 2001–02 season brought many changes, with established players such as Luger, Grewcock, White, Wallace and, much to the consternation of his loyal fan club, Tony Diprose, all leaving the club. Further weakened with the news that Castaignède was likely to miss the whole of the coming season, Francois Pienaar, now in full control of coaching operations, opted to make use of
1106-482: A losing bonus point and a try bonus too was enough to see them qualify for the semi-final stage for the first time in their Anglo-Welsh cup history, ahead of their opponents Llanelli Scarlets . Further progress was then made in the Heineken Cup in an impressive ten try to one defeat of Viadana at home in a game which saw the first team debuts for Chris Jack and Brent Russell . Viadana almost took their revenge in
1185-559: A match against every major Rugby union team. In the 2024 Rugby Championship , the Pumas first achieved wins against all three rivals in the same year, including a win against number one ranked South Africa .... The History of the Argentina national team starts with the first international played by an Argentine side against the British Isles in 1910 when they toured on South America. Argentina gained recognition in 1965 , when
1264-441: A nursery for the more prestigious clubs. The 1992–93 season saw the leagues restructured. This caused Saracens and three other clubs to get relegated to the second division . In 1993–94 Saracens finished third and narrowly missed out on promotion but the following year they finished as champions and were again back in the top flight. Former player David Wellman was given the task to re-brand Saracens. He gave former player Mike Smith
1343-539: A one-week fall to seventh, then one week later rose to fifth to start the World Cup 2007. Los Pumas twice surpassed their highest ranking at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Defeating number three France, the second opening game loss for a World Cup hosting nation, moved them into fourth place, their highest position since the IRB World Rankings were established. They lost to eventual champions South Africa in
1422-565: A picture of a type of lion with spots on the UAR crest. Kohler was aware that the Americas had jaguars and pumas, and as he was under pressure to submit his article, made a guess and called them the Pumas, instead of the actual jaguar. The mistake stuck, and was eventually adopted by the Argentines themselves (although the UAR crest continued to depict a jaguar until 2023). In April 2023, the UAR launched its new visual identity that included
1501-402: A repetition of the pattern of some of the preceding seasons, Saracens once again got off to a flying start, beating Bath and Bristol. Once again though, sound defeats, this season administered by London rivals, Wasps and Irish, seemed to shatter the team's confidence, to such an extent that once again by early in the new year, Saracens were once again uncomfortably close to the relegation zone,
1580-525: A single point against Biarritz Olympique being denied by a penalty scored from the half-way line in the dying moments of the match. The brief return to Guinness Premiership action at the end of November saw Saracens come out top in a tight battle at home against London Irish , with the lead changing hands several times. Cup action in the form of the final round of EDF Energy Cup pool stage games, where Saracens failed once again to win away in Wales, but taking
1659-677: A solid start to 1998–99 season, Saracens were rocked in December when they lost to third from bottom London Scottish in a shock defeat at home, but a win against Bedford and West Hartlepool and a draw with Wasps still saw them in touch with leaders Leicester . The second half of the season was a roller coaster ride with Saracens going from eighth and out of European contention after a run of four losses, to eventually finishing third as London's top club. The 1999–2000 season saw more big name players move to Vicarage Road with Mark Mapletoft , Thierry Lacroix , Scott Murray and Dan Luger joining
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#17327945076261738-404: A string of convincing performances, and a long unbeaten run saw the club finish the season in the top half of the table, in fifth place. Once again in the wild card system for a European Cup place, Worcester were comfortably beaten, setting up the chance to end the season where it had begun, back at Twickenham. A late try secured victory over Gloucester and a place in the next season's Heineken Cup
1817-566: A ten-month injury to inspire Saracens into fourth place and Heineken Cup qualification. 2000–01 saw another difficult start to the season. By October Saracens had effectively crashed out of the Heineken Cup with back to back defeats to Cardiff, and with the team short of internationals due to the Autumn Tests, the final blow was dealt when Thomas Castaignède suffered an Achilles tendon injury. The results went downhill fast, and
1896-714: A try. This period also saw the long-awaited arrival of former Great Britain Rugby League captain, Andy Farrell , initially at flanker, but later at centre, the position at which he went on to take his England debut. With the prospect of a place in the Premiership play-offs becoming ever more real, Saracens were also progressing well in the European Challenge Cup. They qualified for the knockout stages as second seeds, with only an away draw at Glasgow spoiling their group stage progression. A further win at
1975-595: A victory over every Tier 1 nation. Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by an Argentina national XV at test level up until 16 November 2024 . Updated: 28 September 2024 Bonus points given by T – 4W − 2D , for T table points, W games won and D games drawn. On 27 October, Argentina named a 35-player squad for their 2024 November test matches with games against Italy (9 Nov) , Ireland (15 Nov) and France (22 Nov) . Head coach : [REDACTED] Felipe Contepomi Four former Argentina international players have been inducted into
2054-606: A win back at Vicarage Road over Leicester. Defensive frailties saw Saracens go into the Autumn Premiership break for cup matches third in the table, but also with the third worst defensive record, after a defeat away at Sale. The first round of cup competition saw Saracens win comfortably away at Leeds in the EDF Energy Cup , despite conceding four tries. Another bonus point win over Bristol back at Vicarage Road positioned Saracens well with maximum points ahead of
2133-649: Is the highest level of competition in English rugby . Established in 1876, the club has spent most of its existence in and around Southgate in the London Borough of Enfield . Since 2012, Saracens have played their home games at Copthall Stadium (currently known as StoneX Stadium for sponsorship reasons) in Hendon , in the borough of Barnet . Before this, they played at Vicarage Road in Watford for 15 years,
2212-431: The 1999 World Cup have seen rugby's popularity in Argentina grow significantly. They have achieved several upset victories and are capable of regularly defeating Six Nations sides. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup , Argentina were undefeated in their pool and reached the semi-finals for the first time; they were defeated by South Africa in the semi-finals, but followed up with a win over France to claim third place overall. By
2291-561: The British Lions wearing a striped light blue and white jersey. That request was accepted and Argentina wore the striped uniform for the first time in its history. Los Pumas play in a shirt in the country's flag (and sporting) colours of light blue and white, white shorts, and socks in light blue and white. In 2011, the UAR signed a deal with Nike which became the exclusive kit provider for all its national senior and youth teams, including Pampas XV . The first uniform designed by
2370-928: The River Plate Stadium in the past, and in 2006 hosted Wales at Estadio Raúl Conti in Puerto Madryn . Other venues that have hosted Argentina rugby team were José M. Minella in Mar del Plata (2008), Monumental José Fierro in Tucumán (2012, 2014), Mario Kempes in Córdoba (2012), Centenario in Resistencia (2014), Padre Martearena in Salta (venue for The Rugby Championship , 2016–2019 editions), Estadio del Bicentenario in San Juan –where
2449-597: The Springboks . Four days later, the World XV played Western Province at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town . This time Porta started alongside Williams, McBride, and Carmichael, with Alan Sutherland facing off against Du Plessis. At 3.30pm coloured player Errol Tobias , representing the South African Federation , was on the reserve bench for the World XV, as he had been for the 2pm match between
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2528-1535: The World Rugby Hall of Fame . One player was also inducted into the previous incarnation, the International Rugby Hall of Fame . The following Argentina players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2001: The following people have served in the head coach role for Argentina: Last updated: France vs Argentina, 22 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Last updated: Ireland vs Argentina, 15 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Last updated: France vs Argentina, 22 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Last updated: France vs Argentina, 22 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Last updated: Ireland vs Argentina, 15 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Last updated: Ireland vs Argentina, 15 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Saracens F.C. Saracens Rugby Club ( / ˈ s ær ə s ən z / ) are an English professional rugby union club based in North London , England , currently playing in Premiership Rugby , which
2607-694: The domestic cup twice, in 1998 and 2015 . In addition, they have won the RFU Championship , the second division title, three times – in 1989, 1995, and 2021 . Saracens were founded in 1876 by the Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone , London (later to become St Marylebone Grammar School ). The club's name is said to come from the "endurance, enthusiasm, and perceived invincibility of Saladin 's desert warriors of
2686-435: The 12th century ". The fact that their local rivals were called the " Crusaders " may also have been a factor. The Crescent and Star appearing in the club's emblem are reminiscent of those appearing on the flag of Tunisia . Saracens amalgamated with neighbouring club Crusaders two years later. In 1892, Saracens moved from Crown Lane, Southgate , to Firs Farm, Winchmore Hill . They then played on nine different grounds before
2765-518: The 1971 match against a select International XV. The game was reportedly attended by a 5,000 strong crowd (the largest ever to watch a rugby union game in North London at the time). They came to watch a magnificent contest, ending Saracens 34 International XV 34. This Saracens team also won the 1972 Middlesex Cup , beating Met Police in the final. Wasps were beaten in three Middlesex Cup finals in 1976, 1980, and 1986. After some bleak years in
2844-434: The 2003 World Cup, once again finding themselves near the foot of the table. Only the long gap to bottom place Rotherham avoided any serious relegation danger. The victorious return of Richard Hill and Kyran Bracken from World Cup duty brought somewhat more upbeat performances for the second half of the season, but it still took a rare away victory at London Irish to claim the same 10th place of two seasons before. 2004–05 saw
2923-440: The 2007–08 seasons saw somewhat less activity in comings and goings from the squad, reflecting the relatively solid 2006–07 season. Among signings to date, specialist cover for Glen Jackson came in the form of Scotland fly half Gordon Ross , while South African utility back Brent Russell was highly regarded by many Springbok fans. The most spectacular signing though was that of All Black second row Chris Jack , widely regarded as
3002-464: The American company left the traditional horizontal-striped jersey behind, featuring a single light blue with white shoulders jersey, although it was announced that Los Pumas would wear its traditional uniform again when they play the 2012 Rugby Championship. In September 1941, Abelardo Gutiérrez (who had proposed the use of a white and blue jersey for the team 14 years prior) suggested a badge with
3081-524: The Argentine military unit and presidential honor guard established in 1812. The away kit will be worn at the 2023 Rugby World Cup . The Pumas use a variety of stadiums when playing at home. One of the most frequently used for tests is José Amalfitani Stadium , home of Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield and sited in Buenos Aires . When Great Britain made their first tour to Argentina in 1910 ,
3160-480: The Premiership, missing out narrowly to Newcastle , another club that had embraced the changes that the professional game had brought. Consolation for missing out on the league title came in the then principal domestic cup competition, the Tetley Bitter Cup . Saracens beat Wasps 48–18 in the cup final at Twickenham , in doing so equalling Bath's cup-final record score of 48 points. Their run had included
3239-624: The Pumas again defeated the Springboks. Although winless during the 2017 Rugby Championship , the Pumas achieved two wins in their 2018 campaign, defeating both South Africa and Australia. On 14 November 2020, the Pumas beat New Zealand 25–15 to record their first win over the All Blacks, and on August 27, 2022, they defeated the All Blacks for the first time in New Zealand. The wins against New Zealand meant that Los Pumas had finally won
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3318-600: The Pumas started using larger stadiums; the Pumas' last match at GEBA was in 1993. On the other side, the Buenos Aires Cricket was also used for a large number of matches until 1948 when it was destroyed by fire. In 1997 BACRC inaugurated the first purpose-built rugby union stadium in Argentina, erected in Los Polvorines , Greater Buenos Aires . A total of nine international games were played there by
3397-532: The Rugby Championship with a strong showing in the 2015 World Cup , reaching the semi-finals for the second time. The national side has also played in the Rugby Championship since the 2012 edition, after joining the competition one year before. Argentina alternated blue and white jerseys during its first international matches in 1910 . In 1927 Mr. Abelardo Gutiérrez of Gimnasia y Esgrima de Buenos Aires proposed that Argentina should play against
3476-513: The club after a five-year stay. Lacking a coach, the senior players took charge, the morale problem seemed to have passed, but results remained sketchy, and the Saracens ended up in a lowly 10th place. All Black legend Buck Shelford took over the coaching reins for the 2002–03 season, while the playing squad saw the arrival of the likes of Andy Goode , Christian Califano , and Craig Quinnell amongst several signings of established players. In
3555-440: The club along with Darragh O'Mahony and the up-and-coming Julian White . With the squad ravaged by World Cup duty and then injury the club's first attempt at the Heineken Cup was not a happy one. They lost three games by a couple of points in the last seconds of the game and didn't make the quarter finals. With a few games left they were looking at a possible failure to qualify for Europe again, but Kyran Bracken returned from
3634-505: The club for a number of years, "the year of the Fez" began. Close season signings like Danny Grewcock , Roberto Grau , Gavin Johnson and Ryan Constable joined forces with the home grown talent of Tony Diprose , Richard Hill and Steve Ravenscroft to form a side that would prove a significant force during the season. This team lost only three games during the season to finish second in
3713-578: The current home of Watford F.C . The club's home kit playing colours are black and red. They are also affiliated with the Saracens Women's team, which competes in the top tier Premiership Women's Rugby competition. Saracens have won 11 major trophies. They have been crowned European champions on three occasions – in 2016 , 2017 and 2019 . The club has also won the English Premiership six times – most recently in 2023 – and
3792-571: The early 1980s, the club responded to the challenge of the Courage Leagues , and with Floyd Steadman as captain and Tony Russ as coach, they won the second division in 1989 with a 100% record. The next year in the first division they surprised many by finishing fourth in the league behind Wasps , Gloucester , and Bath . Within the space of two years, Saracens had lost Jason Leonard to Harlequins , Dean Ryan to Wasps, and Ben Clarke to Bath. Many proclaimed that they were quickly becoming
3871-566: The end of the competition, the team had reached an all-time high of third in the World Rankings. After their advances in competitiveness and performance during the 2000s, coupled with their location in the Southern Hemisphere , Argentina was the only tier 1 nation that had no regular competition. Argentina officially joined The Rugby Championship on 23 November 2011. In their first tournament in 2012, Argentina secured
3950-518: The figure of a lion. The color of the crest was blue (due to Buenos Aires Cricket Club , where the first rugby match in Argentina had been played). The animal was later replaced by a native to Argentine species, so the jaguar was chosen due to his "agility and courage", according to their words. The Pumas nickname is the result of an error made by Carl Kohler, a journalist for the then Die Transvaler newspaper in South Africa, while following
4029-408: The financial backing of Nigel Wray. This enabled the club to recruit the likes of Michael Lynagh , Philippe Sella , Francois Pienaar and Kyran Bracken . Saracens moved again to Enfield F.C. 's ground, Southbury Road , and they started the new season with a victory over title favourites Leicester . They only finished seventh, just missing out on Heineken Cup qualification. The 1997–98 season
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#17327945076264108-401: The financial cost and risk of supporting Saracens. This led to the addition of five new members being appointed to the Saracens' board. The change of faces did little to change the pattern of consistent inconsistency of previous seasons. Once again, the early rounds saw a false dawn as Saracens found themselves in the top three, and again the club coped badly with the international call-ups for
4187-656: The game was cancelled due to logistical challenges in organising the game. In 1992, the New Zealand national team , the All Blacks, played three matches against a World XV in New Zealand, to mark the centenary of the New Zealand Rugby Union . The first encounter ended in a 24–14 win for the World XV. New Zealand won the second match 54–26, and the third match 26–15. South Africa played the first-ever World XV in Pretoria on 27 August 1977, to celebrate
4266-902: The match 60–26, beating the Colin Charvis -captained side that included players from Australia, England, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Wales. In 2008, a Wales XV side played a World XV, as a testimonial match for Welsh player Shane Williams . There were 19 tries scored in the match, which was played at the Millennium Stadium , with Williams scoring the match-winning try as Wales won 65–57. Argentina national rugby union team The Argentina national rugby union team ( Spanish : Selección de rugby de Argentina ) represents Argentina in men's international competitions, The Argentine Rugby Union ( Spanish : Unión Argentina de Rugby ). Officially nicknamed Los Pumas , they play in sky blue and white jerseys. They are ranked 5th in
4345-526: The move to Bramley Road, Southgate, for the 1939–40 season (although the Second World War prevented them from playing there until 1945). After their inaugural match against Blackheath , the Saracens had to wait another 9 years before Harlequins offered to include them on their fixture list. Saracens found it difficult to get games against first-class sides as the facilities at Bramley Road were so poor. The club produced several internationals in
4424-458: The national team played them at Sociedad Sportiva Argentina of Palermo . That test was also notable for being the first Argentina match ever. When the British combined returned to Argentina in 1927 , the national side started to use GEBA and Buenos Aires Cricket Club as their home venues. GEBA was a frequent venue during the next decades, but hosted only three matches after the 1960s, as
4503-775: The national team until 2005 when it was sold. Los Pumas played in Ferro Carril Oeste stadium between 1970 and 1986, when Argentina moved to Vélez Sarsfield Stadium. Some of the teams that visited those venues were Ireland , New Zealand, France , and Australia among others. During the mid year tests in 2007, as well as Vélez Sársfield, Argentina played games at venues including Brigadier Estanislao López in Santa Fe , Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza , and Gigante de Arroyito , in Rosario . Argentina have also used
4582-400: The only real success coming in an impressive run in the European Challenge Cup. The club once again rallied towards the tail end of the season, with victories over Bristol, and then high flying Sale securing a 5th place in the table, that seemed unlikely at the turn of the year, and a place in the play off system for the remaining European Cup place. A comfortable win over fourth-place Leeds in
4661-577: The opening of the Loftus Versfeld stadium . The World side included Gareth Edwards , JPR Williams , Willie John McBride , and Sandy Carmichael . A crowd of 65,000 watched as Morné du Plessis ' South Africans led by 22–14 at half-time to eventually defeat the World XV by 45–24. During the match Argentinian flyhalf Hugo Porta came on as a replacement. Flank Theuns Stofberg added two tries to one each by Gerrie Germishuys , Hermanus Potgieter , Dawie Snyman , and Barry Wolmarans (on debut) for
4740-438: The opening of the season due to pre-season injuries represented a significant blow to the club, but nonetheless the season began well with a return to winning ways against Wasps in the opening day London double-header. Defeat at the first home game by early pace setters Gloucester brought the team down to earth, before a solid away win at struggling Leeds, revenge for the previous season's home and away defeats away at Worcester, and
4819-446: The play off semi-final brought an astonishingly tight final against Leicester. With temperatures soaring at Franklin's Gardens , 80 minutes was not enough to separate the teams, with a late rally by Saracens tying the scores at 20–20. Ultimately, a Neil Back try was to see Leicester through, but at least it appeared that Saracens had rediscovered their fighting spirit. The late rally was not enough to save Shelford, and he and most of
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#17327945076264898-533: The pre-league era, such as hooker John Steeds who won five caps representing England from 1949 to 1950; Vic Harding , a lock also for England from 1961 to 1962; and George Sherriff , an England back-rower from 1966 to 1967. The club enjoyed fixtures with the leading clubs for many years and enjoyed a particularly successful time in the 1970s when they reached the semi-finals of the National Cup . Special games played at Bramley Road during this period include
4977-412: The prospect of another Heineken cup place. A few disappointing results at the end of the season took some of the shine off the improved run of form, with Saracens ending the season in 10th place. The season's end also brought to a close the distinguished playing career of Kyran Bracken . With Mike Ford being offered a role in the England set-up, former Leinster, Munster and Australia coach Alan Gaffney
5056-401: The quarter-final stage against Glasgow saw Saracens host Bath for the semi-final, only to lose to ultimate runners up of the competition. Results in the Premiership went Saracens' way, leaving them with the possibility of ending up anywhere from second to fifth as the final round of matches approached. After a day of games almost all of which had significant consequences in terms of positions at
5135-460: The remit to take Saracens professional. A sponsor was required to improve the ground and playing staff. Saracens' seesaw existence over the nineties was about to continue in 1995–96 when they again found themselves at the wrong end of the table along with West Hartlepool but they were saved by their new CEO Mike Smith, who persuaded the RFU that there should be no relegation for the first season of professional rugby. In November 1995, Saracens gained
5214-484: The rest of the coaching staff paid the price for the weak season, being replaced by the experienced Australia and Leicester player, Rod Kafer , at that time a relative newcomer to a coaching roll, for the 2003–04 season. Key signings included Fijian Simon Raiwalui , former French captain Raphaël Ibañez , Springbok Cobus Visagie , and All Black Taine Randell . The club's finances were also diversified, with Nigel Wray divesting himself of nearly 50% of his shares to spread
5293-410: The season and consistent high-level performances almost every week saw him awarded the PRA Player of the Year Award by his fellow professionals. On a sadder note the mercurial Thomas Castaignède, one of the most enduringly popular players at the club decided to bring his club rugby career to an end after providing many years of entertaining rugby at its best both for Saracens and France. Preparation for
5372-413: The semi-final but beat France yet again in the bronze medal round to set another highest ranking, third, behind South Africa and New Zealand. Argentina has won every match against South American national teams, including 40 against Uruguay, 40 against Chile, 17 against Paraguay and 13 against Brazil. On 14 November 2020, they registered their first win against New Zealand, meaning that they have recorded
5451-404: The start of a calamitous dip in form and going into the final months of the season the prospect of ending up in another relegation scrap seemed very real. Diamond parted company with the club, with Ford taking over full control of the team, assisted by future England coach Eddie Jones in a consulting role. Results improved, and an away win at Sale who were to be champions that season even brought
5530-411: The team during their first overseas tour ever – to Southern Africa (to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and South Africa) in 1965. He tried to devise a catchy nickname for the team similar to existing international team nicknames such as All Blacks , Springboks , and Wallabies . He asked Isak van Heerden, the then coach of the Natal Rugby team who was asked by the SARB to assist with the tour, for ideas. They saw
5609-576: The team played tests v England and Wales (2017–18), and Estanislao López in Santa Fe (2017). Argentina have won 251 of their 502 Test matches. When the world rankings were introduced by the IRB in October 2003, Argentina were ranked seventh. They fell to eighth in the rankings in June 2004, before rising back to seventh by November that year. They fell back to eighth in February 2005, and stayed there until falling to their lowest ranking of ninth in February 2006. Since then, Argentina rose to eighth in July 2006, then sixth in November of that year. They had
5688-485: The team toured South Africa playing a series of friendly matches there. In that tour the national team was nicknamed Los Pumas , a name that became an identity mark for Argentina, remaining to present days. Argentina has taken part in all the Rugby World Cups since the first edition in 1987 , their best performance being the third place achieved in 2007 . Argentina followed their growing competitiveness in
5767-457: The top, and at the foot of the table, Saracens found themselves in the Premiership playoffs for the first time, squeezing Wasps into a rare 5th-place position, out of playoff contention. The campaign was to end with a heavy defeat away at Gloucester, however, overall the season represented a significant advance on those of recent years. After the end of the season there was to be personal success for Glen Jackson, whose league topping 400 points for
5846-537: The world by World Rugby, making them by some distance the highest-ranked nation in the Americas . Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British Isles team . Argentina has competed at every Rugby World Cup since the first tournament of 1987 and are considered by far the strongest team within the Americas, being undefeated against all but Canada , against whom they have suffered two losses. The Pumas' impressive results since
5925-445: The world's best in his position, who joined Saracens after the 2007 World Cup. In addition to his all-round game, Saracens hoped that Jack would bring some solidity to a Saracens' line-out which was one of the areas where they were consistently pressured in the previous season. The estimated value of Jack's contract raised eyebrows with a three-year contract at a total value of £750,000. The loss of Glen Jackson and Brent Russell for
6004-415: Was a landmark year. They began a ground share with Watford FC and their 22,000 all-seater Vicarage Road Stadium . The agreement ran until February 2013, when Saracens relocated to Barnet Copthall . The appointment of Peter Deakin as Chief Executive saw Saracens splashed all over the broadsheets, tabloids, magazines and TV and with the help of a small band of fez-wearing followers that had been following
6083-409: Was appointed coach for the 2006 campaign. Among the new signings was South African, Neil de Kock , a player who was influential in the club's best season since 2000. Once again, Saracens were narrowly defeated by Wasps in the London double-header. This was to be followed by what turned out to be a good away draw at Bristol in the context of the excellent season that Bristol would go on to have, before
6162-462: Was ensured. There was further shuffling of the coaching pack in 2005–06 with Diamond becoming Director of Rugby and defensive coach Mike Ford taking over the front line coaching role. In a reversal of the previous season's outcome Saracens lost their opening double-header game against Wasps, but unlike some previous seasons, this did not immediately trigger a run of bad results, and indeed until December Saracens progressed well. The Christmas season saw
6241-429: Was to become a prominent part of the Saracens' line up was fly half Glen Jackson from New Zealand. The season got off to the best off all possible starts with Saracens scoring a victory over reigning champions Wasps at the first ever London 'Double Header' at Twickenham. Once again, Saracens' winter malaise struck, and after inconsistent performances, Diamond took over the coaching duties from Kafer. The New Year brought
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