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Rugby Union

Pumas eye Six Nations

07/11/2007

Argentina's rugby officials plan to meet the International Rugby Board (IRB) to discuss joining the Six Nations.

Following the country's third place finish at the World Cup in France last month the Pumas are keen to secure themselves a place in a regular international competition.

The Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR) favours joining the Six Nations competition rather than the southern hemisphere's Tri Nations because most of their squad play for European clubs.

Argentinean minister for sport Hugo Porta, himself a former Pumas fly-half, will present the plans at the next IRB meeting, where the governing body will attempt to integrate the world international season.

Porta said: "We will present our strategic plan to the IRB, which we have been working on at the UAR for a long time with the purpose of getting Argentina included in future international competitions.

"So many of the current players consider it more viable to play in the Six Nations in Europe because it's there that most of the Argentinean players play."

The Six Nations last expanded in 2000 to allow Italy to compete with Europe's top sides on a regular basis and the inclusion of Argentina would certainly add strength and depth to the tournament.

However, with an already crowded club and international schedule, the extra game could cause significant logistical problems for the member Unions.

If the Pumas did join the competition they would likely base themselves in Spain where there is a growing following of the game.