Manuel Ardao who is the brother of Uruguayan XVs and Sevens international, Diego Ardao was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay.
During 2017-2018 Ardao made 8 appearances for Uruguay U20 . In 2017, his team finished third in the competition. The following year, his team finished in fifth place, but Ardao distinguished himself by scoring six tries in four games
In 2018, Ardao transition to sevens making 23 appearences for Uruguay sevens and scored 11 tries.
Ardao began his career at Old Christians Club, following in the footsteps of his brother Diego Ardao, He was part of the team that won the national championship in 2019.
He made his international debut for Uruguay against Fiji on 17 November 2018.
He was included in the Uruguayan squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan marking his first World Cup appearance. He featured in two of Uruguay's games.
In 2020 he gained a professional contract at Peñarol. He played his first game on March 4, 2020 against Selknam right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
In the following year (2021) he featured again for Peñarol, with Peñarol reaching the final of the Superliga Americana de Rugby losing to Jaguares XV 36-28.
Ardao started in the next two finals for Peñarol winning both(2022,2023). He was named MVP for the 2022 Súper Liga Americana de Rugby season.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Ardao has been named in the squad for Uruguay.
SC 24/07/2023
Career
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Uruguay 7's Fly Half |
2018 - present |
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Uruguay Openside Flanker |
2019 - present |
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Miami Sharks Openside Flanker |
2024 - present |
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Penarol Rugby Blindside Flanker |
2020 - 2024 |
