Miami Sharks Overview
The Miami Sharks Rugby Club was a professional rugby union team based in the Miami metropolitan area, competing in Major League Rugby (MLR) starting in the 2024 season. Founded in 2023, the team was owned by Argentine businessmen Ronaldo Strazzolini, Alejandro Macfarlane, and Marcos Galperin. The Sharks played their home matches at AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a facility shared with Inter Miami CF. Known for their neon-styled pink and blue colors inspired by Miami Vice, the team emphasized a strong Argentine connection and sought to engage the Latin American community. José Pellicena served as the head coach during the team’s inaugural season.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Miami Sharks were established in 2023 as an expansion team for Major League Rugby, announced on February 8, 2023. The ownership group consisted of three prominent Argentine businessmen: Ronaldo “Kony” Strazzolini, president of financial services firm Magna Capital; Alejandro Macfarlane, a major shareholder in natural gas distribution company Camuzzi Gas; and Marcos Galperin, founder and CEO of Mercado Libre. These founders brought significant business experience and a passion for rugby, aiming to create a team that would resonate with Miami’s diverse community and Latin American heritage. The organizational structure included Mark Winokur as CEO and Mariano Marco as COO, with José Pellicena appointed as head coach.
Growth Into Major League Rugby Competition
The Sharks prepared for their debut in the 2024 MLR season by building a roster with a strong Argentine influence, highlighted by the signing of international scrum-half Tomás Cubelli as their first player. The team leveraged its ties to Argentina and Latin America to attract talent and build a competitive squad. A key partnership with Inter Miami CF allowed the Sharks to use the AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale as their home venue, expanding its capacity to 5,000 spectators. This alliance provided the team with professional training facilities and helped establish a solid operational base for their entry into the league.
Miami Sharks Competitive Journey
The Miami Sharks competed in Major League Rugby’s Eastern Conference beginning in 2024. Despite being a new franchise, the team quickly established itself as a competitive presence, finishing the 2025 season in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and reaching the conference semi-finals.
Early Seasons and Development (2024–2025)
In their inaugural season, the Miami Sharks focused on integrating their Argentine heritage into the team culture and playing style. The leadership of head coach José Pellicena, who brought experience from Argentina’s national teams and Super Rugby, was instrumental in shaping the squad. Early signings like Tomás Cubelli helped anchor the team’s performance. The Sharks’ neon pink and blue colors and Miami Vice-inspired branding quickly gained recognition. The team’s first two seasons were marked by steady development, with key players such as Guiseppe du Toit, Manuel Ardao, and Santiago Videla contributing significantly to the club’s on-field efforts.
Breakthrough in Major League Rugby (2025)
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough for the Miami Sharks as they secured fourth place in the Eastern Conference and advanced to the conference semi-finals. This achievement demonstrated the team’s rapid growth and competitive potential within just two seasons of play. The Sharks’ strategic focus on blending Argentine rugby techniques with local talent and their strong organizational support contributed to this success. The partnership with Inter Miami CF and sponsorships from companies like BlackToro and VALO provided financial and operational stability, supporting the team’s ambitions.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, the Miami Sharks are led by CEO Mark Winokur and head coach José Pellicena, with ownership remaining under Strazzolini, Macfarlane, and Galperin. The team continues to develop its infrastructure at AutoNation Sports Field, enhancing facilities to accommodate growing fan interest. The Sharks maintain a strong Argentine and Latin American identity, reflected in their recruitment and community engagement efforts. Their long-term goals include becoming a dominant force in Major League Rugby and expanding rugby’s popularity in South Florida and beyond.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Miami Sharks emphasize a dynamic and skillful style of play influenced by Argentine rugby traditions, focusing on strong tactical execution and community connection. Their neon pink and blue colors symbolize their vibrant Miami roots and commitment to engaging a diverse fan base.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for the Miami Sharks include their founding in 2023, the signing of Argentine international Tomás Cubelli as their first player, and their inaugural season in 2024. The 2025 season’s playoff appearance marked the team’s first major competitive success. The partnership with Inter Miami CF to share AutoNation Sports Field also stands as a significant organizational achievement.
Miami Sharks Achievements and Results
Despite their recent establishment, the Miami Sharks have made notable progress in Major League Rugby, highlighted by their playoff qualification in 2025 and strong individual player performances.
Major League Rugby Achievements
The Sharks’ first playoff appearance in 2025, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and reaching the conference semi-finals, represents a significant achievement for a young franchise. Key players such as Guiseppe du Toit, who holds the record for most caps with 33, Manuel Ardao with the most tries at 10, and Santiago Videla as top scorer with 120 points, have been instrumental in the team’s competitive efforts.
Conference Achievements
Competing in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Sharks quickly established themselves as contenders by 2025, securing a playoff spot and demonstrating competitive consistency. Their progress reflects strong organizational support and effective team building.
Divisional and Series Achievements
As a new team, the Miami Sharks have yet to secure divisional or series championships but have laid a solid foundation for future success through strategic recruitment, coaching, and partnerships within Major League Rugby.
