Argentina To Join The Tri Nations

Crocker · 12-01-2007, 07:43 AM

Argentina's international future lies in the Tri-Nations but it will be at least five years before the Pumas, who finished third in the World Cup last month, join the southern-hemisphere tournament because the majority of their national squad is currently based in Europe.

The International Rugby Board hosted a conference on the future of the global game in Woking this week and one of the conclusions was that Argentina had earned the right to be considered a tier-one nation, granted the same number of fixtures annually as the likes of England and New Zealand. It was agreed that their competitive future lay in the southern hemisphere, but because most of the World Cup squad is based in France a four-year plan will be drawn up with the aim of having most of the Pumas domiciled by 2012.

The Phantom · 12-01-2007, 06:52 PM

Slightly misleading title there Shaun. Argentina won’t be admitted into the Tri Nations until at least 2010 when the southern hemisphere trio work out their television deals. Even then I don’t think SANZAR will offer them a place. It’s just not attractive enough deal for them at this stage.

Also if Argentina were to play in the Tri Nations they’d have to adhere to the IRB's requirement for them to have most of their players based in the country. So unless SANZAR offer them a super 14 franchise (again something I really don’t see happening) their not going to have meaningful competition, and that will effect the national set up. So I really don't see Argentina playing in the Tri Nations.

I also agree with the fact that the IRB won’t let them into the 6 Nations. The fixture list here in Europe is already jam packed, and the addition of Argentina would make club rugby more or less a reserve league from January till April, which for a big club/regional rugby fan such as myself, is very frustrating to watch.

Argentina To Join The Tri Nations

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