Head coach Marcelo Loffreda believes rugby union could "explode" in Argentina following the national team's amazing World Cup campaign in France.

The Pumas ended the tournament on a high last night, stunning France 34-10 to claim the bronze medal and their highest finish in six World Cups.

Loffreda, who will now leave his post to take up a coaching role at Leicester Tigers, has left a great legacy following his eight years in charge.

And he hopes the team's success over the last six weeks will help rugby union make some headway in what is a football-mad nation.

"I think, generally speaking, things begin to explode when there is a sporting success," he said. "We have to capitalise on this and we have to know how to use it in different areas within Argentina, where there hasn't been great deal of access to rugby."

Loffreda managed to create a family-type atmosphere within the Pumas camp, and he reckons that will stand him in good stead ahead of his stint with Leicester.

"Being a trainer does not just mean having this technical knowledge, it means managing and keeping a cohesion among the players," he said. "And when you do speak, we need to be able to interpret the different needs and requirements of the different players.

"It has been a very rich experience being together and, without a doubt, this is going to help me in my next stage in Leicester."