Miami Sharks Rugby Club
The Miami Sharks were a professional rugby union team based in the Miami metropolitan area. Competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the franchise brought a distinct blend of South Florida energy and Argentine passion to the American professional rugby scene. Founded in 2023, the club operated for a short but impactful period before disbanding in 2025.
The team played its home matches at the AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This venue is notably the training grounds for the Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF, providing a high-performance environment for the Sharks' athletes.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 2023
- Disbanded: 2025
- Home Ground: AutoNation Sports Field (Capacity: 5,000)
- League: Major League Rugby (MLR)
- Top Scorer: Santiago Videla (120 points)
- Most Caps: Guiseppe du Toit (33)
- Most Tries: Manuel Ardao (10)
Club History and Foundation
Major League Rugby officially announced the addition of the Miami Sharks on February 8, 2023, with the team beginning competitive play in the 2024 season. The club was established by a group of prominent Argentine businessmen, including Ronaldo “Kony” Strazzolini, Alejandro Macfarlane, and Marcos Galperin, the founder and CEO of Mercado Libre.
To build a professional infrastructure, the Sharks appointed Mark Winokur as CEO and Mariano Marco as COO. The technical leadership was headed by José Pellicena, a former Argentina U20 manager with experience as an assistant for the Argentina national team and the Super Rugby side Jaguares.
The club's first major player signing occurred on April 26, 2023, when they secured Argentine international scrum-half Tomás Cubelli. This signing coincided with a high-profile launch party in Miami attended by figures such as tennis star Juan Martín del Potro and former international player Juan Martín Hernández.
Identity and Argentine Influence
The Miami Sharks were defined by a strong connection to Latin America, specifically Argentina. This heritage was evident in the ownership group—with Macfarlane and Pellicena having ties to Belgrano Athletic Club and Galperin to Club San Andrés—as well as the coaching staff.
Visual Identity and Kit
The team's branding was a tribute to the iconic 1980s television series Miami Vice. The club adopted a neon-styled pink and blue color palette, mirroring the pastel aesthetics associated with the city and the Miami Heat's "Vice" special uniforms. The team crest featured a blue and white shark with pink accents alongside a rugby ball.
The Sharks unveiled three distinct playing kits: a primary white jersey with electric blue and bright pink accents, and two others featuring pink-to-black and blue-to-pink gradations.
Ownership and Sponsorship
The ownership pool was led by three primary directors: Ronaldo Strazzolini (President of Magna Capital), Alejandro Macfarlane (main shareholder of Camuzzi Gas), and Marcos Galperin. Additional shares were held by investors including Santiago Ocampo, Martín Migoya, Edgardo Defortuna, and Gabriel Martino.
To support its operations, the club entered into sponsorship agreements with the Argentine financial services firm VALO and the investment advisory company BlackToro.
Performance and Records
The Miami Sharks competed in the Eastern Conference of Major League Rugby. While their inaugural season saw them finish 5th and miss the playoffs, they showed improvement in 2025, finishing 4th in the regular season and reaching the conference semi-finals.
| Season | Conference Pos | Regular Season (W-D-L) | Postseason Result | Points For/Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5th | 6-0-10 | Did not qualify | 335 / 389 |
| 2025 | 4th | 8-0-8 | Conference Semi-finalist | 380 / 442 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Miami Sharks play their home games?
The team played at the AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is the training facility for Inter Miami CF. The stadium was expanded to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.
What was the inspiration behind the team's colors?
The neon pink and blue colors were inspired by the 1980s TV show Miami Vice and the "Vice" uniforms of the Miami Heat, both of which are iconic symbols of Miami's visual identity.
Who were the primary owners of the franchise?
The club was led by Argentine businessmen Ronaldo “Kony” Strazzolini, Alejandro Macfarlane, and Marcos Galperin, the CEO of Mercado Libre.
How did the team perform in the 2025 season?
In 2025, the Sharks finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with an 8-8 record. They reached the postseason but were eliminated in the East Conference Eliminator by the New England Free Jacks with a score of 32-10.
Who was the top scorer for the Miami Sharks?
Santiago Videla was the team's top scorer, accumulating a total of 120 points.