England rugby team moves hotel to avoid Argentina World Cup celebrations
12 reported
England’s rugby team has switched hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid potential disruptions from World Cup celebrations if Argentina’s football team wins Sunday’s final against Spain. The squad, led by coach Steve Borthwick, is in Argentina for a match Saturday in Santiago del Estero. They will return to Buenos Aires on Sunday before flying home Monday. The team originally stayed near Plaza de la Republica, where large crowds have gathered after Argentina’s World Cup matches. An estimated five million people celebrated Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, and thousands partied after a semi-final win over England on Wednesday. Borthwick said fireworks continued until 4am and earplugs were issued. The team will now stay near the Buenos Aires international airport on Sunday night.
What’s reported
England’s rugby players switched hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid potential World Cup celebrations if Argentina beats Spain on Sunday.
The team plays Argentina on Saturday in Santiago del Estero, 600 miles northwest of Buenos Aires.
They return to Buenos Aires on Sunday and fly home to London on Monday.
The original hotel was off Plaza de la Republica, near the Obelisk monument, where large crowds have gathered.
An estimated five million people celebrated Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar.
Thousands partied after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England on Wednesday.
Borthwick said fireworks continued until 4am and earplugs were issued.
The new hotel is near Buenos Aires international airport on the southern outskirts.
England flanker Henry Pollock taunted Argentina football fans from a bus window before Wednesday’s match; one fan punched the bus windows.
Borthwick said Pollock’s actions were “done in good nature.”
England have won nine of their past 10 meetings with Argentina.
Argentina’s team includes players based in England: Santiago Carreras, Matias Moroni, and Guido Petti.
Key figures
Steve Borthwick, England rugby coach
Henry Pollock, England flanker
Felipe Contepomi, Argentina coach
Tom Curry, England flanker
Santiago Carreras, Argentina full-back (Bath)
Matias Moroni, Argentina centre (Bristol)
Guido Petti, Argentina second row (Harlequins)
Sources: BBC News
