With the world of rugby divided into six regional associations, the Americas, given its geographical size is divided into two: Sudamérica Rugby and Rugby Americas North.
At the same time as the South American B Championship being played by the home team Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, this meeting preceded a 'Leading Rugby' Workshop with 10 of the member nations.
"Rugby Americas will be able to help both regions to do things together that individually had not been done previously," said Agustín Pichot, President of Rugby Americas and World Rugby Council Member. "We are looking forward to great developments in the continent.
"Rugby Americas is working now to facilitate the partnership of Sudamérica Rugby and Rugby Americas North, whilst each regional association retains all of its authority."
Opportunities and challenges
Over the last four days, staff members from both regional associations have worked together in search of equal understanding of opportunities and challenges, with the primary goal being the growth of the game at all levels.
The meetings were run by World Rugby, with Tom Jones, General Manager Americas, describing them as 'historic'.
"It has been a great opportunity for both staff to get together and plan the efficient integration and sharing of knowledge and best practice, for the growth of the unions in the Americas and World Rugby," said Jones.
Morgan Buckley, World Rugby's General Manager Development, added: "World Rugby has embraced this evolution and is delighted that the staff of both North and South are working together, to the benefit of both regions.
"We're delighted with the growth of the game in the last five years in Sudamérica Rugby. We have worked here on setting the strategies and goals for the 2016-2020 period. The interaction between South and North America is very important for World Rugby. It is a continent full of growth opportunities."
