Duendes Rugby Club: A Powerhouse of Argentine Rugby
Based in the vibrant city of Rosario, Santa Fe, Duendes Rugby Club stands as a pillar of Argentine sports. Known by their nickname Verdinegro, the club is a dual-sport institution specializing in both rugby union and field hockey. The rugby division competes in the Torneo del Litoral, the premier division of the Unión de Rugby de Rosario (URR) league system.
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Key Facts
- Founded: January 5, 1957
- Location: Rosario, Argentina
- Home Ground: Las Delicias
- Current President: Pablo Cáceres
- Primary League: Torneo del Litoral
- Major National Titles: 3 Nacional de Clubes championships
A Legacy of Excellence
The history of Duendes Rugby Club is marked by a rapid ascent to the top of the sport. Founded in 1957 and registered with the Rosario Union that same year, the club achieved promotion to the top division after only one season. This early momentum culminated in their first major title in 1960.
Over the decades, Duendes has established itself as one of the most successful clubs in Rosario, alongside rivals Atlético del Rosario and Jockey Club. Their dominance is reflected in their trophy cabinet, having secured the Unión de Rugby de Rosario championship 15 times and the Torneo del Litoral tournament 12 times.
National Dominance and Unbeaten Runs
On the national stage, Duendes is the most successful team to emerge from Rosario. They have claimed the Nacional de Clubes (the premier national club competition) title three times, with victories in 2004, 2009, and 2011. The club's consistency is legendary, having completed entire seasons unbeaten on four separate occasions: 1968, 1969, 1972, and 1993.
In 2009, the club made history by winning the inaugural Torneo del Interior, a national competition specifically for clubs located outside of Buenos Aires. This victory granted them direct qualification to the semi-finals of the restructured Nacional de Clubes.
The 2011 Championship Triumph
One of the club's most storied moments occurred in November 2011 during the Nacional de Clubes final. Duendes defeated La Tablada with a score of 26-23. The match was defined by the performance of fly-half Mateo Escalante, who was named MVP after scoring 16 points with 100% accuracy.
Club Honors and Achievements
The following table summarizes the championship record of Duendes Rugby Club across various competitions.
| Competition | Number of Titles | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|
| Nacional de Clubes | 3 | 2004, 2009, 2011 |
| Torneo del Interior | 3 | 2003, 2009, 2022 |
| Torneo del Litoral | 26 | 1960, 1962-1971, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010-2016, 2018 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Duendes Rugby Club located?
The club is located in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, and plays its home matches at the Las Delicias ground.
What is the nickname of the Duendes team?
The team is known as the Verdinegro.
How many Nacional de Clubes titles has the club won?
Duendes has won the Nacional de Clubes title three times, in 2004, 2009, and 2011.
What is the Torneo del Interior?
The Torneo del Interior is a national rugby competition in Argentina designed for clubs that are not based in Buenos Aires.
Who was the MVP of the 2011 Nacional de Clubes final?
The MVP was fly-half Mateo Escalante, who scored 16 points in the final victory against La Tablada.