Rugby Americas North (RAN) has announced today the appointment of Heriberto Lachica as their new Competitions Manager to assist in the organization of competitions for the World Rugby Regional Association governing body. The bilingual World Rugby Trainer and Match Commissioner brings extensive experience from his roles with Federación Mexicana de Rugby Unión (FMRU) and World Rugby (WR) to the organization.
“RAN is very pleased to announce the appointment of Heriberto as our Competitions Manager. With the growth in rugby throughout the region, the position will enable RAN to continue to enhance our delivery of professionally managed test matches and international competitions, including areas of player welfare and medical services,” said Niall Brooks, RAN General Manager. “Heriberto offers RAN a wealth of knowledge and expertise, from his work organizing events for the FMRU, delivery of Training & Education, Match Commissioner appointments for both Rugby Americas North and World Rugby, and his sound understanding of RAN competitions and work practices.”
Lachica has served as the National Development Director and International & National Competitions Director for the FMRU since 2013, driving significant growth and development within México. He developed and led a strategic plan that resulted in a 1000% increase in rugby participation in just five years, expanding rugby coverage from 8 to 29 states in México. Lachica has co-organized over 25international rugby events, such as RAN XVs tournaments, International test matches, sevens competitions, and organized the annual Mexican Rugby Youth Olympics that attracted over 1,000 players. From 2012 to 2022, Lachica also served as the Team Manager for México’s Senior Men’s XVs and Sevens teams for more than 40 international matches, as well as managed México’s youth national team sides at various international tournaments.
Under his certifications and roles of World Rugby Educator/Trainer since 2013 and World Rugby Match Commissioner since 2016, he has overseen high-profile events such as the 2019 U20s World Rugby Championship, Rugby World Cup Qualifying Matches and the 2022 World Rugby Challenger Sevens Series in Chile. He has delivered over 900 hours of coaching and referee courses in México and across the Americas, including the co-delivery of the first-ever Match Commissioner course in South America. Lachica’s leadership and commitment to the development of rugby across grassroots and global levels has made him a well-respected and proven asset to the sport’s growth.
“I am both equally grateful and excited for the opportunity to provide my services to the members of RAN and continue learning from the rugby community as we all sustainably grow the game in each of its strands,” said Lachica. “I plan to bring my unwavering commitment to the game to this regional Competitions Manager role, while also building the workforce in Unions to collectively increase the playing level, structure, and awareness of player welfare at our competitions.”
Lachica can be reached at hlachica@rugbyamericasnorth.com.
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