Argentina could join New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in an extended version of rugby's prestigious Tri Nations competition as soon as 2012 after the IRB ratified a financial package aimed to assist the Puma's join the tournament.
The package is worth about $10million and will be payed in equal installments between 2012 - 2015. IRB (International Rugby Board) president Bernard Lapassate hopes that the money will ensure a smooth transition into the competition.
There are a few other issues that must be resolved however. Most notably the release of the top argentinian players by their clubs for international fixtures which has historically been a huge issue.
The (Argentinian Rugby association )UAR and Sanzar (the governing rugby body for the Tri nations teams) have asked the game’s governing body to amend its regulations on player release to ensure that Argentina internationals are available to take part in the tournament.
The matter is due to be looked at by the IRB council at a meeting on May 12th and Lapassatte sounded optimistic about the outcome of the meeting.
“It is now essential that all elements are delivered, including the participation of Argentina’s top players. I would like to express my thanks to Sanzar for its continued commitment to the process,”
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