The International Rugby Board’s Executive Committee have ratified a financial package that moves Argentina a step closer to joining an expended Tri Nations competition from 2012. The package, worth US$10million (€7.5m), is to support the addition of the Pumas to the tournament.
IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset had announced the proposal at the Global Sports Forum in Barcelona on March 9th and the money will be split into four annual payments from 2012-2015.
There has been a clamour to allow Argentina to join either the Six Nations or Tri Nations since their outstanding performances at the 2007 World Cup in France, where they beat the host nation twice, Ireland and Scotland on their way to a third-place finish, with the IRB establishing a Working Accord to help that process.
“This announcement represents another significant milestone in the process of Argentina’s integration into the Tri Nations and is an extremely exciting development for the Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR) and rugby fans around the world,” said Lapasset.
“The IRB recognises the substantial strategic financial and operational commitment that the Sanzar Unions are making to assist Argentina’s inclusion and we will continue to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable financial platform to make Argentina’s transition as smooth as possible.”
The IRB will now continue to work with Sanzar to ensure that all conditions for Argentina’s entry are met.
The UAR and Sanzar have also 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, a matter that will be looked at by an IRB Council meeting on May 12th.
“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,” added Lapasset.