Le rugby

Telstra Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

From its English roots, rugby has expanded to countries where British people resided for health, leisure or business reasons, or as permanent immigrants. Down under Australia, as a federation or commonwealth of former British colonies, took part early in international rugby tournaments. The Wallabies are named after a cute local marsupial mammal, or rock kangaroo, that serves as mascot and nickname for the national team.

The first rugby clubs in Argentina were founded in the 1880s by British expatriates expats, a championship was organized as early as 1886. Argentinian teams have been taking part regularly in tournaments and international matches ever since. The national mascot is the puma, a large feline indigenous to the Americas.

Telstra which gives its name to the stadium is a private telecommunications and media company in Australia, which sponsors sports in its advertising strategy. The stadium has a capacity of over 80 000 spectators.

Match d'ouverture de la coupe du monde 2003, au Telstra Stadium de Sydney.