Miami Sharks Overview
The Miami Sharks Rugby Club was a professional rugby union team based in the Miami metropolitan area that competed in Major League Rugby. The team was founded in 2023 and began play during the 2024 season, representing the Eastern Conference. 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, sharing the facility with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF. The team was known for their distinctive neon pink and blue colors that paid homage to the iconic 1980s television series Miami Vice. The Sharks emphasized a strong Argentine connection and sought to engage the Latin American community in South Florida. The franchise ceased operations following the 2025 season.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Miami Sharks were officially announced on February 8, 2023, when Major League Rugby confirmed the team would join the league for the 2024 season. The founding ownership group consisted of three Argentine businessmen: Ronaldo Strazzolini, president of financial services firm Magna Capital; Alejandro Macfarlane, main shareholder of natural gas distribution company Camuzzi Gas; and Marcos Galperin, founder and CEO of e-commerce company Mercado Libre, who was Argentina’s wealthiest businessman with an estimated net worth of $5 billion. Additional investors included Santiago Ocampo, Martín Migoya, Edgardo Defortuna, and Gabriel Martino.
The organization appointed key leadership positions to establish operations. Mark Winokur, a former executive with the Toronto Arrows, was named Chief Executive Officer. Mariano Marco was appointed Chief Operating Officer. The team selected former Argentina U20 manager José Pellicena as head coach, bringing experience from his roles as an assistant with the Argentina national team under Mario Ledesma and with former Super Rugby side Jaguares under Raúl Pérez. The founding philosophy centered on creating a rugby experience in South Florida that would engage Latin American passion and generate a sense of community belonging.
Growth Into Major League Rugby Competition
On April 26, 2023, the Sharks made their first significant roster move by signing Argentine international scrum-half Tomás Cubelli, marking the first player signing in franchise history. The same day, the team hosted a launch party in Miami attended by notable Argentine personalities including tennis player Juan Martín del Potro, model Claudia Albertario, and former Argentina international player Juan Martín Hernández, who became one of the franchise’s ambassadors.
On September 15, 2023, the Sharks announced a partnership with Inter Miami CF that would allow them to play home games at AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale. The facility, which served as Inter Miami’s training ground, would have its capacity expanded to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators for Sharks matches. This partnership provided the franchise with a permanent home venue and operational infrastructure as they prepared for their inaugural season.
Miami Sharks Competitive Journey
The Miami Sharks competed in Major League Rugby for two seasons, from 2024 to 2025, representing the Eastern Conference. The franchise built its roster around Argentine talent while developing local and international players. After a competitive inaugural season, the Sharks achieved a playoff appearance in their second and final season, reaching the conference semi-finals before the team disbanded.
Early Seasons and Development (2024)
The Sharks entered Major League Rugby for the 2024 season with a roster designed to blend Argentine rugby tradition with international experience. The team featured established players from Argentina alongside recruits from various rugby-playing nations. Playing at AutoNation Sports Field in Fort Lauderdale, the Sharks sought to establish themselves as competitive contenders in the Eastern Conference while building a passionate fan base in South Florida.
The franchise’s strong Argentine identity was reflected in roster construction and coaching philosophy. Two of the three owners had played rugby union in Argentina, with Macfarlane having played for Belgrano Athletic Club and Galperin for Club San Andrés. Head coach José Pellicena also came from Belgrano Athletic Club, helping establish the team’s identity and playing style. The team unveiled three distinct playing kits, including a mainly white jersey with hints of electric blue and bright pink, along with pink-to-black and blue-to-pink gradient options.
Breakthrough in Major League Rugby (2025)
In their second and final season, the Sharks demonstrated significant competitive improvement. The team finished fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and qualified for the playoffs. They advanced to the conference semi-finals, representing the franchise’s most significant competitive achievement during its brief existence. This playoff run validated the organization’s vision of building a competitive Major League Rugby franchise in South Florida.
Several players emerged as standout performers during the 2025 season. Santiago Videla emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 120 points across the season. Manuel Ardao led the team with 10 tries, demonstrating his value as an attacking threat. Guiseppe du Toit accumulated 33 caps, representing the most appearances among squad members and providing consistent experience in the lineup.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–2025)
The Sharks operated as a professional organization with Argentine ownership and leadership. CEO Mark Winokur managed day-to-day operations following his experience with the Toronto Arrows organization. Head coach José Pellicena led the rugby program, implementing a playing philosophy influenced by his background with the Argentina national team and Super Rugby’s Jaguares.
The team maintained sponsorship relationships with investment advisory company BlackToro and Argentine financial services company VALO. The franchise’s crest displayed a blue and white shark with pink strokes alongside a rugby ball, incorporating the team’s distinctive Miami Vice-inspired color scheme. Despite the team’s competitive progress and playoff achievement, the organization ceased operations following the 2025 season.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Miami Sharks built their identity around Argentine rugby traditions while embracing the diverse South Florida community. The organization sought to wake Latin passion in the community and generate a sense of belonging through rugby. The coaching staff’s experience with the Argentina national team program influenced the team’s tactical approach, emphasizing the structured, forward-oriented style characteristic of Argentine rugby. The distinctive neon pink and blue colors became a visual trademark that set the franchise apart in Major League Rugby.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Sharks’ history featured several significant moments during their two-year existence. The signing of Argentine international Tomás Cubelli represented the franchise’s first player acquisition and signaled the team’s Argentine focus. The partnership with Inter Miami CF provided essential venue and infrastructure support. The 2025 playoff run to the conference semi-finals marked the franchise’s competitive peak. The team set franchise records through Santiago Videla’s 120 points, Manuel Ardo’s 10 tries, and Guiseppe du Toit’s 33 caps. Following the 2025 season, the franchise disbanded, concluding its brief but notable presence in professional North American rugby.
Miami Sharks Achievements and Results
The Miami Sharks achieved notable competitive results during their two seasons in Major League Rugby, highlighted by a playoff appearance in their final season. The franchise built a competitive roster that produced standout individual performers across multiple statistical categories.
Major League Rugby Achievements
In Major League Rugby competition, the Sharks’ most significant achievement was their 2025 playoff run. The team finished fourth in the Eastern Conference during the 2025 season and advanced to the conference semi-finals, representing the franchise’s highest competitive achievement. This playoff appearance validated the organization’s investment in building a competitive Major League Rugby franchise in South Florida.
Eastern Conference Achievements
The Sharks competed in the Eastern Conference throughout their two-season existence. The 2025 season saw the team achieve its highest conference finish at fourth place, earning a playoff spot. This represented steady improvement from their inaugural 2024 campaign and demonstrated the franchise’s ability to develop competitive depth and performance.
Franchise Records
Several players set franchise records during the Sharks’ existence. Santiago Videla accumulated 120 points as the team’s all-time leading scorer. Manuel Ardao crossed for 10 tries, establishing the try-scoring record. Guiseppe du Toit earned 33 caps, representing the most appearances in franchise history. These records were established across the team’s two competitive seasons in Major League Rugby.
Notable Players and Contributions
The Sharks roster featured international experience and developing talent. Tomás Cubelli brought experience as an Argentine international scrum-half, serving as the franchise’s inaugural player signing. Head coach José Pellicena contributed extensive experience from his roles with the Argentina national team and Jaguares Super Rugby franchise. The ownership group, led by Argentina’s wealthiest businessman Marcos Galperin, provided financial stability and strategic direction throughout the organization’s brief existence.
