Félix Páez Molina, new president of the Argentine Rugby Union

Félix Páez Molina, now former vice president of the Argentine Rugby Union, took over as president of the governing body of Argentina this Thursday March 26 and he became the first Cordoban in office.

Páez Molina was officially appointed to the position on Saturday, March 7, and on Thursday, March 26, it was approved in the Assembly. The man from Córdoba was first vice president under Gabriel Travaglini and will now lead the UAR for the next four years, in the midst of negotiations with World Rugby for the 2035 World Cup bid.

The Board of Directors will be composed of Félix Páez Molina (Jockey CC) as president, Fernando Rizzi (Círculo Universitario de Quilmes) as first vice president and Jaime Barba (Entre Ríos) as second vice president. Rodrigo Roncero (Deportiva Francesa) will hold the position of secretary and Matías Gorosito (Rosario) will hold the position of treasurer.

The list of members will have a total of 16 members from the interior and eight from the URBA. For Buenos Aires: Gustavo Cohen (CASI), Diego Pasman (SIC), Ramiro Dobal (Delta), Julio Larocca (San Cirano), Edgardo García (Olivos) and Federico Curutchet (City of Buenos Aires) join as substitute.

In his farewell as head of the entity, Gabriel Travaglini expressed: “It has been a great honor to preside over the Argentine Rugby Union and to work alongside the Board of Directors and all the professionals. I deeply thank the Unions, the clubs and the rugby community for their trust these years. I am convinced that the UAR has a clear direction and a solid project. Therefore, I want to wish the greatest success to those who assume leadership in this new stage. I know that, together with all of Argentine rugby, they will continue this path with great commitment and passion. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this history.”

After serving as first vice president during the 2022-2026 administration, Félix Páez Molina takes office as the 47th president in the history of the UAR, an institution founded in 1899. With a life dedicated entirely to sport, it has a training forged from the grassroots: member of the Jockey Club of Córdoba since the age of 4, First Division player and provincial team. His profile combines experience in the field – as a coach in children’s, youth and senior divisions – with a solid managerial career. After leading the rugby subcommittee and vice-presidency of his club, he played a key role in the Cordovan Rugby Union, where he served as secretary and vice-president, culminating his term as president between 2018 and 2022. This comprehensive and federal vision guarantees leadership that includes every corner of our community.

In his assumption, Félix Páez Molina expressed the following: “I take on this challenge with the conviction that rugby is, by essence, a collective effort. As I always say, I do not understand management in any other way than as a team; the best player in history would not have become one without his fourteen teammates at his side. That openness that rugby gives to all of us is what we transfer to the leadership: I believe in processes where the role of the leader is as vital as that of the rest of the team.”

“The UAR has a clear strategic plan and the leaders know where we should go. My mark will be marked by strengthening the grassroots work; amateur rugby is the key. We need that base to expand and for the clubs to continue growing, because they are the ones that nourish and sustain the growth of Los Pumas.”

“To conclude, I want to recognize the commitment and dedication of the outgoing members of the Board of Directors; their experience has been an invaluable lesson for all of us. Likewise, I deeply thank the presidents of the Unions for entrusting us with the management of Argentine rugby and giving us the opportunity to lead, as a team, this new management cycle in the Argentine Rugby Union.”