Did the Argentinians take up rugby because of the Welsh settlers in Patagonia?

Question

Did the Argentinians take up rugby because of the Welsh settlers in Patagonia?

Answer 1

welsh by ancestorys i guess. I don't know, does anyone know? I thought argentine was made up of settlers from spain?? fill me in

Answer 2

Like it....

Wales are therefor still in the world cup.

(kidding).

John in patagonia they predominantly speak welsh to this day and absolutley love rugby...Wales also played a match against argentina there - when they toured last year.

(the patagonians still suported argentina though).

Answer 3

Rugby got a foothold in Argentina after groups South African Afrikaners settled in Patagonia from 1902 to 1907. They moved there because they refused to stay in SA under the British flag after the Anglo Boer War.

They tamed a rugged and desolate area and became very successful farmers and business owners and introduced their national sport, rugby, to country.

In later years, under the leadership of legendary SA rugby boss , Danie Craven, a lot was done by South Africa to develop and promote the sport of rugby in Argentina.

Coaches were sent over and tours, at first by university and club teams, were organized.

I was not aware of Welsh settlers in Argentina, but I'll venture a guess that they left their country for the same reason as the Afrikaners and I am sure they got involved in rugby in that country.