Paraguay’s World Cup fallout and the future of South American rugby | Captain Mariano Garcete

In this episode, we sit down with Mariano Garcete, captain of the Paraguay national team, for a candid and hard-hitting conversation following one of the most turbulent moments in Paraguayan rugby history.

After Paraguay’s historic two-legged victory over Brazil in World Cup qualifying, the team was disqualified from the Repechage for fielding an ineligible player, a decision that sent shockwaves through South American rugby. Mariano speaks openly about the emotional toll the ruling took on the squad, the country, and himself as captain, and doesn’t hold back in a scathing critique of World Rugby and what he sees as damaging recent changes in the global game.

The conversation also turns to his decision to step away from Yacaré XV and Super Rugby Americas, reflecting on his personal journey, the pressures of professional rugby in the region, and why the competition remains vital to the growth and credibility of South American rugby.

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