'I've been impressed by the Super XV... the sheer amount of talent in each side'

2026 marked the first year of the Super XV, the Portuguese rugby premiership, which has undergone profound changes to its format and structure, triggering a surge in international signings.

All 12 competitors were able to land top-level talent from every corner of the globe, some of whom had even featured in World Cups or the opening month of the Nations Cup.

Among the most notable names are Samoan internationals Jay Tuivati, who has competed in both the MLR and ProD2, Tevita Langi and Brook Toomalatai, alongside Uruguayan internationals Ícaro Amarillo, Santiago Cagnone and Manuel Ardao, as well as Zimbabwe’s talented prop Stanley Muranganwa and Chile’s Lucas Bordigoni.

Additionally, until late August, Canadian internationals Izaak Kelly and Sam Miller remained contracted to SL Benfica, but it is still unclear whether both will stay with the current title holders.

However, the strong influx of international players is not new to Portugal, as in recent years the league has attracted a number of high-quality players, ranging from Los Leones to Stejarii internationals.

The league’s appeal has also drawn Georgian talent, with several former Black Lion players and Georgia U20 internationals moving to Portugal, including Nikoloz Sutidze, Ioseb Gusharashvili and Zviad Maisuradze.

Portugal’s rebirth at the 2023 World Cup sparked ongoing interest in local competitions among players from rival nations, and the birth of the Super XV appears to have further boosted this trend. Supporting that view is Manuel Ardao, the Los Teros flanker who, after spending several years in Major League Rugby and Super Rugby Américas, decided to take the plunge and join Portugal’s newly revamped club competition.

“It is a completely new challenge for me, as I’ve been playing professionally since 2020, and Portugal is still mostly a semi-pro or amateur scene. It didn’t surprise me, as I knew beforehand how the league and clubs operated. However, I’ve been impressed by the Super XV quality, mainly the sheer amount of talent in each side.”

Ardao joined last season’s league runners-up and Taça de Portugal winners, GDS Cascais, seeking a new challenge, one that would help him hone his skills even further.

“I was looking to leave my comfort zone and play in Europe, and Cascais and Portugal gave me that chance. It is a country that shares some similarities with Uruguay, but, at the same time, it’s different as well.”

As for his decision to move to Portugal, Ardao explains that players like him, or Ícaro Amarillo, were looking for a gateway into Europe while getting into top shape ahead of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

“I can’t speak for the players from Chile or other nations who are playing here; however, in our case, we were seeking a competitive league from a different nation, and Portugal ended up being the perfect match. The quality of life I found in Cascais, for instance, is also a huge incentive for being here.”

For players of his profile, who have never secured a move to France or England, the Portuguese Super XV offers a platform from which to reach new heights.

“It is a perfect gateway to Europe, especially now under the Super XV colours. Players like me have the perfect stage to showcase their abilities and talent to a wider audience, or at least a European one. There’s still ground to cover and so much to do, but the revamped league is moving in the right direction.”

Having arrived exactly two months ago, Ardao can offer insight into the local Portuguese rugby system, particularly how it supports international players and steers clubs towards a new, more professional era.

“The Lobos players have a very professionalised structure that helps them excel; at least that’s the idea I have from the ones who play in Cascais,” said the 28-year-old.

“In my view, the next step is for the clubs to become professional, or at least adopt a more professional structure, as that will certainly push them to grow even more and challenge the best European competitions.”

Ardao enjoyed a prolific debut, helping his new club lift the season’s first major trophy, the Super Cup, by defeating SL Benfica 34-11, although the flanker didn’t start the game on the right foot.

“Well, my official debut had a bit of everything: I started, but I ended up being sent to the sin-bin; I came back and scored a try to help Cascais win the Super Cup against SL Benfica, last year’s league champions! We are in a very good place right now.”

Despite an auspicious start to this new Portuguese championship, Ardao will be out of contention for Cascais in November as he joins Los Teros in their push for better results during this second window of the Nations Cup.

“We have three tough tests ahead of us, starting with Spain. We then head to London to face Zimbabwe, then return to Lisbon to face Portugal. Each will be a tough challenge, but we hope to come out winners from every clash. We just need to be careful not to give them an inch of space.”

After the disappointment of July, November marks the start of a new chapter for Uruguay under Guzamán Barreiro’s leadership, with Ardao and company looking to push the nation over the finish line.

“Our focus for November is to keep developing the team and enhance our game plan, combos, set-pieces, etc. We are determined to work beyond the results, as our goal is next year’s Men’s Rugby World Cup. The Nations Cup will be pivotal to that end.”

Adding an intriguing subplot is the fact that Uruguay and Portugal will face each other twice before the end of 2027. Their first meeting comes on November 21, before they renew acquaintances on October 11, 2027, at the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

With several Portuguese internationals, including Martim Belo and Nuno Mascarenhas, among his Cascais team-mates, Ardao reflected on what it will be like to line up against them when Uruguay and Portugal meet in the coming months.

“Oh, yes, we have already shared a few words about that upcoming game in the World Cup. The Argentinian boys have tried to pit us against each other, but it hasn’t worked! We still have a long way to go, and before then, I’m looking to help Cascais win the title.”

One thing is certain: Manuel Ardao is excited to be in Portugal competing in the Super XV, which keeps him a professional player and closer to the epicentre of the world’s best club rugby.

“The Super XV has several professional players, many of whom joined this past summer. The competition has changed its format for the new season and is being broadcast, all positive signs. It is growing by the second, and I am happy to be here.”