In an exciting development for the Americas Costa Rica has obtained full World Rugby Membership. The World Rugby Council unanimously voted in favor of the Federación de Rugby de Costa Rica as a new and full member of World Rugby.

Sudamérica Rugby President Marcelo Rodríguez noted:

“With regards to our region, the most important decision (of the day) was the approval of Coasta Rica as a World Rugby member, an historical landmark for our region which reflects the enormous efforts of Costa Rican rugby, under the leadership of President Ramón Cole de Temple and his staff.”

Costa Rica is the ninth Sudamérica Rugby union member to obtain World Rugby membership. It joins Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

In 2018 Costa Rica will join the new Sudamérica 4 Naciones B competition. It will do so together with Guatemala, Peru and Venezuela. The restructuring of Sudamérica Rugby competition means Costa Rica leave the South American C Championship to play one division higher.

Earlier this year Costa Rica were crowned South American C Champions, by virtue of points differential, over Guatemala.