RUGBY CELEBRATION STARTS AT LIMA 2019

Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center reopened its doors. This time it was rugby in both men's and women's events. There was a pleasant atmosphere at the venue. Early on, fans of various nationalities were present to encourage their respective countries. The fun was guaranteed with a face painting show for children and entertainment for adults.

And so it was. While 14 female players faced a tough match on the field, divided in two halves of seven minutes each, the atmosphere in the grandstands was that of a party.

The day opened with a lively match between Argentina and Colombia, with a 24-14 win for the Colombians. Then, the United States earned a comprehensive victory over Trinidad and Tobago by beating them 55-0. Both matches belong to Group A.

Peruvian Debut

With the song “Contigo Peru” as background, the Peruvian team took to the field to face a big rival, Brazil—reigning South American champions—in a match for group B. Under constant encouragement, the home team went ahead with a Michelle Flores try, but soon the action was leveled. The Peruvian hopes were short-lived as Brazil showed their supremacy, especially in the second half, eventually defeating the Peruvian team 33-5.

“It hurts me to lose, because it's our flag, it's our home, but this means that there are many things for us to improve,” said Michelle Flores, who highlighted the positive atmosphere experienced in Villa María del Triunfo. “What does it feel like to score? It's incredible, but we do this as a team,” she mentioned.

In the second match, Canada defeated Mexico 54-0 in a match for Group B.  

Also for Men's

But the games didn't finish there. After the women's matches, the male rugby players also jumped onto the field. For Group A, Brazil and Chile played an exciting match, whose final result showed how even it was: 14-14. Both teams left the field with well-deserved applause from the grandstands.

In other results, the United States beat Guyana 62-0, also in Group A, while in Group B, Canada beat Uruguay 31-0 and finally Argentina, the current South American champions, beat Jamaica 52-0.

The action continues tomorrow at Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center from 10:10 with the match between Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago for Group A. Peru will face off Canada at 11:00.

To be part of the Rubgy celebration, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale across the city.