Funding boost for Pumas

IRB agree to $10m package

Last updated: 29th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Funding boost for Pumas

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Argentina are poised to receive $10million in funding from the International Rugby Board to assist their bid to join an expanded Tri-Nations in 2012.

The IRB had set up a Working Accord to pace the way for Argentina to either join the RBS Six Nations or the Tri-Nations.

And the board's executive committee have now agreed to a financial package for the Pumas to play in the Tri-Nations - with the funding to be split into four annual payments from 2012-2015.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "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.

"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."

Despite agreeing the funding, Argentina's inclusion in the tournament alongside South Africa, New Zealand and Australia still has to be ratified, with certain issues over their entry still to be ironed out.

For starters, the UAR and SANZAR want the IRB to amend the regulations over player availability for the tournament - something the IRB have agreed to look into at the council meeting on May 12.

"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.