Pumas to take 2012 Tri Nations place

by Oli Skehan , 09 March 2010

Argentina will take their place in the 2012 Tri Nations series after International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Bernard Lapasset confirmed the body would provide a crucial funding package for the project.


Lapasset revealed on Tuesday that the IRB had agreed to support Argentina's initial introduction into the tournament, which currently includes South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, with a one-off financial contribution of around USD2million.

"It is done," Lapasset admitted. "The principle is to support the cost of the introduction of Argentina into the Tri Nations.

"It will be a one-off payment of around USD2million. The principle is agreed, and we just need the IRB Council to confirm at the next meeting (scheduled for May 12).

"It will be done so Argentina can enter in 2012.

"We have an agreement with South Africa, New Zealand and Australia for the financial programme that is now in place, and the three existing nations are supportive."

The Pumas third-place finish at the 2007 Rugby World Cup highlighted the need for the South American side to participate in regular matches against top-quality opposition.

"The challenge now is to organise the travel arrangements between the countries," Lapasset added.

"However, it is fantastic (that Argentina will join the Tri Nations).

"It started with the World Cup in 2007 and we realised the importance of creating a symbol in South America.

"It will help to build professionalism within Argentinian rugby."

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