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Rugby Union

Argentina hold talks over Tri-Nations options

03/07/2008

The Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR) has held talks with the Sanzar nations over the possibility of joining the Tri-Nations series from 2009.

A wide-ranging summit involving the rugby boards of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, as well as the UAR, Rugby Canada and USA Rugby has been taking place in Wellington over the past couple of days.

And one of the main points being discussed is the options available to Argentina, who were losing semi-finalists at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, to obtain more regular top-level international competition.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Sanzar chief executive and South Africa Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones described the talks as "constructive, open and frank".

"It was very much an information-sharing discussion with all parties," he said.

"We gave an update on the state of Sanzar rugby at both Super 14 and Tri-Nations level and, in turn, each country presented their capabilities and vision for the future."

Argentina's bid to join the 2008 Tri-Nations series was scuppered by an existing TV rights deal for the competition.

And it is thought the renegotiation of this contract formed a central part of the discussions.

In addition to the inclusion of Argentina in the annual southern hemisphere tournament, the USA and Canada could be offered the chance to compete in an expanded Pacific Nations Cup tournament alongside the existing competitors Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, Australia A and New Zealand Maori.

A full rundown of any proposals is expected after the next Sanzar workshop meeting, which takes place in Perth, Australia, between July 15th and 17th.