Rugby Coaching and Training in Argentina, Buenos Aires

Rugby in Argentina
Rugby is considered to be the second most popular sport in Argentina, only behind association football. Performances at the Rugby World Cup competitions has cemented the reputation of rugby as being in the top three most popular sports in Argentina. Rugby in Argentina is largely played by the middle class who have access to facilities, whereas children in the underprivileged areas can do no more than watch since they have little or no access to the simplest of rugby equipment.

Your Sports Experience in Argentina
Immerse yourself in the formidable rugby culture of Argentina with an unforgettable sporting experience in Buenos Aires. This program is an exceptional opportunity for those on a gap year, university students, and discerning travellers who want to combine their passion for rugby with a meaningful cultural exchange.

This is a deep dive into the heart of Argentine community life. You will spend time helping local coaches run multi-sport sessions for children in disadvantaged areas. These programs, held mostly in the afternoons but sometimes in the mornings, are a lifeline for many of these kids, offering them a fun, safe, and structured environment to grow and learn.

You will also have the chance to train and play with a local rugby club. This is your opportunity to experience the intensity and passion of Argentine rugby first-hand, with training and playing opportunities available a few times a week based on the club’s schedule, including evenings and weekends.

We advocate for longer stays to allow participants to fully integrate into the community and build lasting relationships. A longer duration will provide you with a richer and more transformative personal experience. Beyond the rugby pitch, Argentina offers a vast landscape of adventure, from the historic streets of Buenos Aires to the wild plains of Patagonia.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year, Student Travel and Career Break Rugby Opportunities in Argentina
Rugby in Argentina is by far, one of the best options when it comes to choosing a sports gap year abroad. This is because you can get many things in just one trip; from learning Spanish to playing and coaching rugby to visiting some truly magical places as well as sharing the experience with like minded sporty people. The longer you can participate in this project, the more you will take away from the experience. The best thing is that you will get to know a different culture and a new language skill while having fun and playing the sport you are passionate about.

You can arrive any Sunday of the year from the first weekend in January, ready to start activities on the Monday. We ask that you vacate our accommodation on the last Saturday of your trip, either for independent travel or to return to the airport for your international departure.

We run trips until the second weekend in December.

Please note that at times bank holidays and other factors may disrupt trips but we will make every effort to provide adequate activities whilst you are with us.

Playing Your Sport in Argentina: We understand you want to keep up with your own training. We will connect you with a local club, providing a fantastic opportunity to train and play in a competitive and social environment. This is a great way to meet like-minded locals, improve your Spanish slang, and gain a deeper insight into Argentine culture. You can expect to train and/or play a few times a week, depending on the club’s schedule, which often includes evenings and weekends.

Spanish Lessons: To get the most out of your time in Buenos Aires, we recommend a basic understanding of Spanish. We offer optional Spanish language lessons that can be booked pre-departure. By booking in advance, we can assess your level before you arrive and tailor the tuition accordingly. The lessons are taught by native Argentineans and will develop your understanding of both the language and the local culture in which you are living.

Equipment Donation: We gratefully welcome any personal donations of sports equipment for the local community. It makes a huge difference to the children we support. However, it is important that any donations fit within your airline’s luggage weight allowance. For larger donations, we suggest contacting your airline in advance to inquire about an additional allowance for charitable purposes and asking them to note this against your booking. This will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free check-in at the airport.

Social Life & Travel: “Porteños” (people from Buenos Aires) are famously talkative and social. Joining a local sports club is one of the best ways to make local friends who will help you settle in quickly. Our in-country team also organises social activities to bring participants together. At weekends, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America,” or even venture further to discover the diverse landscapes Argentina is famous for.

Accommodation: A huge part of the social atmosphere comes from where you live. Depending on numbers, you will either be placed in a shared house/residence with other participants or in a homestay with a local family. All accommodation is centrally located with good access to your project and local amenities.

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Accommodation
Shared house / student residence accommodation; Basic but comfortable; Shared rooms; Shared kitchen; Shared toilet / shower facilities; shared with other volunteers.

Breakfast
Breakfast is included at the accommodation, so please budget for lunch and dinner.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Lunch and Dinner (Budget GBP £8 -GBP £10 per day), Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Spanish course cost (please contact us for more details)

A Typical Weekday: You will have your mornings free to discover the delights of Buenos Aires or participate in extra community sessions. You may also want to book our optional Spanish immersion language course to help you communicate effectively on and off the pitch. After lunch, your afternoons will be dedicated to coaching at the community project. A few evenings a week and at weekends, you’ll head to a local club for your own rugby training sessions.

Participant Criteria: We are looking for individuals aged 18 and over with a strong passion for rugby and a desire to work with children. Formal coaching qualifications are not a prerequisite, but a good understanding of the game is essential. The majority of participants are between 18 and 26 years of age.

What’s Provided: All the necessary equipment such as balls, cones, and bibs, will be supplied.

What to Bring: You should bring appropriate clothing for both coaching and training. While we provide the essential equipment, any extra rugby gear you can bring to donate to the children would be incredibly valuable.

Ideal For: Sports gap years, career breaks, gap breaks, gap years, student summer holidays, student travel, rugby players, sports travel and volunteer travel.