Chile XV stunned Argentina XV with a last-minute try to win their first Americas Rugby Championship title, defeating the favorites 28-27 in Valparaíso on September 6, 2026. The match was held at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, a venue administered by the Instituto Nacional de Deportes (IND), dependiente del Ministerio del Deporte. This victory marked the first time Chilean rugby secured the tournament title, which Argentina had dominated with seven previous wins (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019).
The dramatic victory at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander marked a historic milestone for Chilean rugby, as the national team overcame a deficit in the second half to clinch their first-ever title in the tournament, which Argentina had won seven times. The match was part of the Americas Rugby Championship, a competition organized by Sudamérica Rugby, and featured teams including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Argentina’s wins in the tournament occurred in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019.
A Defining Moment in the Final Seconds
En la última jugada: Chile XV derrotó a Argentina
The match reached its climax in the final moments, with Chile XV’s Ernesto Tchimino scoring the decisive try in the 79th minute. Matías Garafulic converted the kick to seal the 28-27 victory, a result that ended Argentina’s dominance in the competition. Argentina XV had controlled much of the game, leading 27-14 with 20 minutes remaining after tries from Martín Vaca. The final sequence saw Chile maintain pressure in the last seconds, culminating in Tchimino’s game-winning try.
The match’s progression was marked by a series of key moments. Argentina XV took an early lead, scoring a try by Mateo Pasquini and a penalty by Ignacio Dogliani to reach 0-8 in the first few minutes. By the 28th minute, Franco Rossetto extended Argentina’s advantage to 0-15. Chile responded with a try by Santiago Videla, converted by Matías Garafulic, to narrow the gap to 15-7 at halftime. In the second half, Argentina increased their lead with a try by Martín Vaca, putting them ahead 27-14. Chile then mounted a comeback, with tries from Benjamín Videla, Matías Dittus, and Ernesto Tchimino, all converted by Garafulic, to secure the win.
A Historic Streak Ends
This victory ended Argentina’s reign in the Americas Rugby Championship, a tournament where the team had historically dominated the discipline in this side of the world. The tournament returned after a seven-year hiatus, and Chile’s victory marked its resumption. Argentina had previously won the title in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2019, with the only interruptions coming from U.S. victories in 2017 and 2018.
Un try agónico en la última jugada le da
The final was played at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, almost 90 years after the first international match played by a Chilean rugby team, precisely against Argentina in September 1936.
The Road to Glory
Chile’s path to the title included a 33-12 win over Uruguay XV in Talcahuano and a 54-26 victory against Paraguay in the Escuela Militar de Santiago. Argentina, meanwhile, had arrived undefeated, having beaten Paraguay in the debut and then 64-10 over Uruguay XV. The final’s significance extended beyond the scoreboard. It was played at the same stadium in Valparaíso almost 90 years after the first international match played by a selected Chilean rugby team, precisely against Argentina in September 1936.
Chile XV remontó con épica ante Argentina y se
Reactions and Implications
The win has already sparked discussions about Chile’s future in international rugby. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the victory reflects the growth of the escuadra that already classified to the 2027 World Cup.
The victory also underscored the role of key players like Garafulic, whose conversions were critical to the win, and Tchimino, whose try in the final seconds gave the win. The tournament’s return after a seven-year hiatus has reinvigorated interest in the sport, with Chile’s triumph serving as a defining moment in its history.
Chile XV’s victory was celebrated with fans in the recinto porteño. The team’s success is associated with the selected adult led by head coach Pablo Lemoine. The win also highlighted the role of the Federación Deportiva Nacional de Rugby (Chile Rugby). This victory marks a turning point for Chilean rugby, signaling its emergence as a competitive force in the region.
