Excitement is building as Colombia and Peru prepare to clash in an international rugby test match. On Saturday, October 19, 2025, both men’s teams will compete at Estadio Cincuentenario in Medellín, Colombia, for the Conmemoración Lucas Caro.
This event marks the return of cross-regional rugby competition in Latin America after several years of limited interaction among neighboring nations.
The Return of Cross-Regional Rugby
During the recent World Rugby General Assembly in London, officials agreed to revive cross-regional test matches. This decision allows countries from both Sudamérica Rugby and Rugby Americas North to participate in more international fixtures.
The new agreement brings together Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela. While Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela belong to Sudamérica Rugby, Mexico competes under Rugby Americas North (RAN).
This collaboration aims to strengthen rugby development across Latin America and provide more exposure for emerging teams.
Rugby Associations and Regional Participation
Rugby in Latin America is split between two main governing bodies:
| Governing Body | Member Countries | Notable Competitions |
|---|---|---|
| Sudamérica Rugby | Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica | South American Rugby Championship, World Cup Qualifiers |
| Rugby Americas North (RAN) | Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Canada | RAN Championship, Pacific Nations Cup (for USA & Canada) |
Interestingly, Guatemala—a close neighbor of Mexico—is part of Sudamérica Rugby, showing the fluidity of rugby affiliations in the region.
Mexico’s Strong Season
Mexico, known as Las Serpientes, recently proved their dominance in the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship.
They defeated Trinidad & Tobago with a strong 45–14 victory in the Grand Final held in June. Before that, Mexico achieved wins over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, showcasing their consistent rise in regional rugby.
However, despite their success, Mexico did not take part in the Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, as World Rugby limited North American participation to the Pacific Nations Cup, which includes only Canada and the USA.
South American Rugby Competition
In South America, Costa Rica took part in the 2024 Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, competing against both Colombia and Peru. Although Mexico was absent, the matches gave Peru and Colombia valuable international experience.
Both countries have continued to strengthen their squads, preparing to take on each other in the Conmemoración Lucas Caro. The game in Medellín will not only test their skills but also celebrate the growth of rugby across the continent.
World Rugby Rankings
The global rugby rankings highlight the progress of each nation in Latin America.
| Country | World Ranking (2025) |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 38th |
| Colombia | 42nd |
| Cayman Islands | 48th |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 49th |
| Venezuela | 77th |
| Peru | 79th |
| Paraguay | 34th |
While Paraguay remains the strongest team in the region, Colombia and Peru are determined to climb higher in the global standings.
The Importance of the Conmemoración Lucas Caro
The upcoming Conmemoración Lucas Caro match is more than a friendly—it symbolizes unity and progress for Latin American rugby. It provides players from both sides the opportunity to compete internationally, gain experience, and promote the sport within their home countries.
For Colombia, playing on home turf will be an advantage, while Peru will aim to display improved teamwork and resilience. Both teams are expected to bring passion and pride to the field, making this an exciting event for fans.
The Colombia vs. Peru rugby test match marks a powerful comeback for cross-regional rugby in Latin America. With teams like Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia coming together under a new collaboration, the sport’s future in the region looks promising.
As rugby continues to grow, matches like the Conmemoración Lucas Caro serve as milestones of unity, ambition, and athletic excellence. Fans from both nations are eagerly waiting to see how their teams perform under the spotlight in Medellín.
