Rugby World Cup head coach SACKED with immediate effect

Los Teros will now begin the search for a new coaching team after assistant coach Juan Figallo was also relieved of his duties. The Uruguayan Rugby Union (URU) has decided it is unhappy with the current direction of the national side.

Ambrosio's dismissal follows an embarrassing home defeat to Hong Kong in Montevideo last month.

Uruguay have been drawn alongside Ireland, Scotland and Portugal at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. They will believe they have a realistic chance of progressing as one of the best third placed teams, with their second pool match against Portugal likely to be decisive.

The absence of a traditional heavyweight such as South Africa or New Zealand from their pool could also work in Uruguay's favour, giving them a better opportunity to finish with a stronger points difference than other teams competing for a best third placed spot.

The full URU statement, translated from Spanish, reads as follows:

"The Uruguayan Rugby Union (URU) has decided in recent hours to end the tenure of Los Teros coaches Rodolfo Ambrosio and Juan Figallo. We have notified them of our decision and extended our sincere gratitude for their time, effort, and dedication throughout this period, as well as our best wishes in their future professional endeavours.

"This decision was made following a thorough analysis that includes a series of measures aimed at strengthening the involvement of all aspects of Uruguayan rugby as part of the URU's strategic plan.

"We will continue working and striving, committed to the growth of national rugby."

The URU has not yet named a replacement, and it remains uncertain who will take over the team ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.

Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.