Argentina's rugby team, Los Pumas, have kept a social media post highlighting the Falkland Islands as part of Argentine territory, despite a diplomatic row erupting after the football team's similar banner during the World Cup. The post, pinned to the top of their Instagram page, shows a map of Argentina's home fixtures with the Falkland Islands included, while neighbouring countries are absent.
Football row spills into rugby
The controversy began when Argentina's football team celebrated their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England by holding up a makeshift sign reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falkland Islands are Argentinian). Downing Street responded sharply, stating: 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.' The exchange has intensified the already hostile atmosphere ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship rugby match between England and Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
England captain Jamie George acknowledged the rivalry, saying: 'We look at Argentina on the calendar whenever the fixtures come out and we know it will be a special occasion. On the field we’re very aware that when we play Argentina they’re an incredibly proud nation and it’s going to be hostile. They’re going to be desperate to win, especially on their own turf.'
Historical tensions
The Falklands issue has marred sporting encounters for decades. In 1986, England's rugby squad conducted the first tour of Argentina by a British team since the Falklands War ended in 1982. During that tour, England's players were pelted with objects from the stands, and on-field violence marred the contests. The current social media post by Los Pumas is the latest in a series of provocations; earlier this year, they posted a similar map highlighting the Falklands.
England have won all five of their meetings with Argentina under coach Steve Borthwick, including a November clash at Allianz Stadium that saw a tunnel bust-up between flanker Tom Curry and Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi. The fixture on Saturday is expected to be fiercely contested.
Security concerns
England's team have taken precautions to avoid potential unrest. They have been forced to change their hotel in Buenos Aires on Sunday night to avoid being caught up in celebrations if Argentina win the World Cup final against Spain. The team travels to Santiago del Estero for Saturday's match but returns to Buenos Aires 24 hours later, risking the type of massive crowds seen in 2022 when millions gathered at the Obelisk after Argentina's World Cup victory. To avoid logistical issues, they have chosen a new hotel near the airport ahead of their return home on Monday.
The Falkland Islands remain a UK overseas territory, with islanders voting overwhelmingly to retain that status in a 2013 referendum. The 1982 conflict saw Argentinian forces invade the islands in April, only to surrender by June of the same year.
