Agreement: IRB to fund Pumas entry into Tri-Nations
An agreement in principle has been reached for Argentina to join Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations by 2012.
The Pumas, who finished third in the 2007 World Cup, are to receive funding from the International Rugby Board (IRB) to ease their introduction into the tournament, with IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset saying they will provide a one-off financial contribution of around US $2 million.
"It is done," Lapasset told www.thesportbriefing.com at the Global Sports Forum in Barcelona.
"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 US $2 million. 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."
Argentina's third-place finish in France three years ago highlighted their need for regular matches against top-quality opposition, although barriers to their entry into the Tri-Nations have not strictly been financial.
Aside from being geographically stranded on the global rugby map, the fact that most of Argentina's best players are based in Europe has also counted against bringing them into the fold.
However, in September 2009, SANZAR, the board representing the national rugby unions of the existing Tri-Nations teams, tabled a conditional invitation to Argentina to join the competition.
"The challenge now is to organise the travel arrangements between the countries," added Lapasset, who sits on the IRB Council.
"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."
Comments
crna_mike says...
!Que dia muy grande por Argentina!
!Pumas, Vamanos!
Posted 15:43 10th March 2010
edjoe359 says...
fantastic news hooray for argentina and kudos to the IRB and Tri Nation members
Posted 00:14 10th March 2010
brazilrugger says...
the best news of the decade i say, it also levels the playing field as far as travel goes
Posted 17:23 09th March 2010