A bit of Argybargy anyone?
A grand opportunity has arisen in which two talented rugby players will be able to travel to Argentina to play rugby and experience South American culture.
Local players have been invited to apply for two scholarships available with the San Martin club by submitting a cover letter, sports CV, references and, preferably, a rugby video with submissions accepted until June 10.
The club will meet all costs incurred during the players’ time in Argentina — such as union fees and transportation — as well as providing free accommodation, and Spanish or university fees. An interpreter will also be provided and there could be employment opportunities, noted Gabriel Morales, the man organising the opportunity through his New Zealand-based Toro Sports organisation.
“The idea of the scholarships is that the two players selected can represent New Zealand culture and values, while playing rugby and learning about Argentinian culture. The scholarships are for the length of the rugby season, but players will have the opportunity to travel afterwards, with the right to stay on in Argentina for four to six months provided they extend their visas properly,” he advised, adding, “It will be great get the community involved in this and hopefully get someone from the Far North to go to Argentina!”
Players need to be between 18 and 28 years of age, be fit and of proper character with good recommendations and no criminal conviction, and play a good level of rugby. The successful applicants will need to be available to travel around the July 10 as well as meeting the flight costs and pay the agency fee which is approximately $500.
The San Martin Rugby Club in Villa Maria, Cordoba, Argentina and its sponsors will funding the scholarships. The two players chosen will help the club contest the provincial cup season for about four months, and they will also be encouraged to travel in Argentina and/ or try work experience.
For more information, contact Gabriel Morales at Toro Sports, gabriel@torosports.co.nz, or call (022) 050-0685.
Toro Sports brought over two Argentinians to play for the Northland Taniwha in the 2015 ITM Cup season. Tomas Ramirez and Matias Naivaez have turned out for the Bay of Islands and Whangarei Harding Shield sides respectively. The pair, who also play club rugby for Kamo and OBM, are props and were sought after with a dearth of decent players in that specialist position throughout the province identified by the Taniwha selectors.