Mexico will take on Paraguay, Colombia and regular Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship opponents Guyana in the first edition of the Americas Rugby Challenge, kicking off on Sunday in Medellín, Colombia. Having this kind of opportunity is crucial for a country that is wanting to continue to grow.

Mexico's participation in the recent Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, where they claimed the silver medal, stymied any hopes the Serpents had of staging a warm-up match before the Americas Rugby Challenge because of the high crossover of players between the two squads.

However, Spanish-born head coach Rubén Duque, in charge of the team since 2015, is still positive going into the tournament."Playing a warm-up game would have been of huge help as the other teams will arrive match fit. But, while this wasn't in our favour, the little time together was positive and players showed huge commitment and clearly grew since the first camp."

Youth and inexperience

Of the squad of 26 players, 16 are new to international rugby, so Mexico head to Colombia with realistic expectations.

“Involvement in the Americas Rugby Challenge is of huge value for the development of both regions," said Duque. "With regards to our goals, we will try to give game-time to a new team, so that we can systemise our game plan and find efficiency in a physically and mentally demanding environment. That is, beyond doubts, the big challenge. I am optimistic about the potential, character and hunger of my players."

México have played in Colombia before, losing a Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifying match to Los Tucanes, but first-round opponents Paraguay present a new challenge.

“We expect Paraguay and Colombia to be physically strong; Guyana will, as always, be hard to stop from broken play. They will be three games that will force us and makes us grow. It is a huge opportunity for the teams to offer their players quality games and help them develop," reasoned Duque.

“The benefit for Mexico is huge as it is a new tournament, higher in standard than what we normally play," he continued. "It is a challenge we must take to ensure our domestic structures and competitions grow and allow us in time to have a stronger national team. It will also bring hope to our younger U19 players in seeing there is an opportunity to play at a higher standard, forcing them to prepare better for these kinds of scenarios, while representing Mexico with hopes of winning this competition."

The Americas Rugby Challenge opens next Sunday when Mexico plays against Paraguay and Colombia tackle Guyana.