Uruguay’s national rugby team has terminated the roles of its head coach and assistant coach, just 14 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Rodolfo Ambrosio and Juan Figallo, who were both part of the coaching setup, have been dismissed by the Uruguayan Rugby Union following a Nations Cup performance that saw Los Teros finish at the bottom of the Americas pool. The decision reflects the team’s struggle to achieve consistency and competitiveness on the international stage.
Performance issues led to sacking
The disappointing results in the Nations Cup highlighted the team’s performance problems. Los Teros were defeated by Georgia and Hong Kong China, and only managed a draw against Romania, which offered little in the way of relief. The inconsistent performances were ultimately enough to push the Uruguayan Rugby Union to make a difficult decision about their coaching team.
Ambrosio, who stepped into the role as head coach in 2024, had previously led Uruguay to their fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup qualification. He secured the qualification by guiding the team to a Sudaméricano 2025 final victory over Chile. However, recent results have raised concerns about the team’s direction, prompting the union to seek a new approach.
Figallo also exits after 2024 appointment
Juan Figallo, a former Argentina international with a coaching background, joined the team in 2024 after leaving his role as Women’s head coach at Saracens. Before that, he coached Ampthill, a side in the CHAMP league. His departure marks another shift in coaching personnel for Uruguay as they attempt to restructure.
In a statement, the Uruguayan Rugby Union acknowledged the contributions of Ambrosio and Figallo, expressing sincere gratitude for their time and effort. The union emphasized that a new strategic plan would be developed to benefit all teams under its umbrella. It also stressed the importance of moving forward with renewed focus and commitment.
Uncertainty ahead of World Cup matches
The coaching changes come at a critical time as Uruguay prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The team’s uncertainty deepens with the removal of its key coaching figures. Los Teros are placed in pool D, where they will open their campaign against Scotland on 4 October 2027. They will then face Portugal on 11 October 2027 and Ireland on 17 October 2027. The challenge of navigating these high-stakes matches without a stable coaching setup remains a major concern.