The Argentinian Super Rugby team will be called the Jaguares, it was announced overnight.
The team announced its branding and logo overnight, with its website describing the jaguar as the
“Tiger of the Americas”.
The website reads: "Highlighted by his cunning, skill and power. His keen instinct and intelligence makes Jaguars ideal for our team emblem."
The Jaguars, coached by Raul Perez, loom as a dark horse for Super Rugby in 2016, featuring mainly Argentinian national players, off the back of a World Cup semi-final appearance.
Foremer Pumas great, Felipe Contepomi, was also announced as an assistant on Thursday night.
Speaking at their unveiling in South America, Argentinian Rugby Union professional rugby manager Greg Peters said that this franchise was a critical step for South American Rugby.
“We are continuing on a growth path which takes us to our participation in the world’s best club competition, where we will face the best teams and best players on the planet,” he said.
Pumas and Jaguares captain Agustin Creevy headlines a list of Argentinian Internationals who will be playing for the Jaguares and said it was a historic moment for their country.
“This is something historic, that there should be a professional Argentine team in a tournament like this where the best rugby in the world is played,” said Creevy.
“I have no doubt that with Los Jaguares in Super Rugby, the sport will become even more popular (in Argentina) and ... interest more people and potential players.”
In other positive news for the new Super Rugby additions, the Japan Sunwolves confirmed they will announce their squad and head coach in the coming days,
The Sunwolves tweeted overnight that they would reveal their roster and mentor on December 21, a development that will relieve many skeptics.
New Zealander Mark Hammett is tipped to be the front runner for the top job, while Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is also reportedly in contention, after months of speculation.
