13 May 2010

Europe-based Pumas freed to play in expanded Tri Nations

8:09 am on 13 May 2010

Argentina's path towards an expanded Tri Nations in 2012 has been smoothed with the International Rugby Board approving a new rule to help top Pumas play in it.

Most of Argentina's best players are contracted to northern hemisphere clubs, and making them available was a condition to the Pumas joining South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in a new Four Nations competition.

The IRB council has added a new window in the calendar from 2012 that facilitates the release of Argentina players for six matches in an eight-week span, from late August to early October.

The SANZAR and NZRU chief executive, Steve Tew, says it's an an exciting step for SANZAR and for world rugby as it confirms Argentina's participation in a top-flight competition, which they thoroughly deserve.

Tew says they now need to finalise an agreement with Argentina.