ARGENTINA SHOULD stage two of their three home matches in the debut Rugby Championship next year in Buenos Aires, according to the chief executive of the Southern Hemisphere’s body Sanzar.
“I strongly recommend the UAR (Argentine Rugby Union) hold two games in Buenos Aires and one outside,” said New Zealand’s Greg Peters at yesterday’s official presentation of Argentina’s participation in the tournament, which succeeds the Tri-Nations championship.
Peters, the chief executive of the body grouping Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, said his recommendation was based on the logistical concerns the visiting teams would face in Argentina over and above the long journey to get here.
UAR president Luis Castillo said he would like to see the Pumas play their home matches in provincial venues as well as the capital.
Argentina will make their long awaited debut in a major international competition away to South Africa on August 18th. On that day Australia will be at home to world champions New Zealand.
“This a historic day for national (Argentine) rugby. We are committed to showing we can be better,” said Castillo, adding that for the Pumas this was like entering Formula One.
Former Pumas captain Agustin Pichot, who has played an instrumental part in Argentina’s invitation to the tournament, said the UAR had broken the perception that Argentines were unable to plan long term.
A key factor in Argentina’s participation was an International Board ruling obliging European clubs, where many of the Pumas play, to release them for the tournament and the June and November international windows.
Sanzar president Mike Eagle said they was keen to encourage Argentines to take part in competitions at all levels with the ultimate goal of a franchise in the Super 15 club competition.
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