After the World Cup in France, 2007, the secret of Argentinean rugby was well and truly ousted; and as teams prepare for the next instalment in 2011 the Pumas have been given the recognition they deserve.
After years of campaigning from the UAR, journalists and fans across the world, SANZAR have extended the invitation to the South American powerhouse to compete in the Tri Nations from 2012.
After the likes of then captain AgustÃn Pichot and Juan Martin Hernández lit up France with two famous victories against the home nation, the demand for Argentina to join rugby’s top-table gained momentum. Indeed it has been Pichot who has fronted much of the demand for the Pumas to be given such an opportunity.
The alternative was for the Argentines to join the 6 Nations; but with an already overcrowded European season – as demonstrated by the late arrival of players who competed in the Heineken Cup final to the Lions tour – and the greater logistical problems in terms of travel and season, it made more sense for them to join up with the Southern Hemisphere sides.
SANZAR chief executive Andy Marinos said: "To have the Pumas join with the three top-ranked international teams in world rugby will be exciting for fans, players, sponsors and broadcasters across our four countries and beyond.
"They play a different style to the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies and their inclusion will see the Tri-Nations evolve to be a truly southern hemisphere championship."
Indeed after Argentina finished third at the last world cup, and after famous victories in Europe, particularly at Twickenham in recent years, they join the current Tri-Nations to form the top seeded teams at the head of each pool for the 2011 World Cup.
Without strength in their domestic game, Argentine top level players have had to ply-their trade in predominantly the French leagues. For this reason it was thought if they were to join the 6 Nations they would play ‘home’ matches in France or even Spain.
Much like the recent complaints coming out of the English and Welsh unions of players moving to foreign leagues, it has been increasingly difficult for the UAR to keep track of their players and also to bring them together. The option has often been for their stars to play in what would seem meaningless Test against Uruguay or Chile, or remain at their European club side to play at a higher standard, gain more recognition and earn more money.
If money could be generated and players attracted, it would seem the next step would be to try and include an Argentinean side into Super 14. The series, which is currently looking for its 15th franchise, would offer yet another opportunity for the South Americans to regularly compete and improve against sides from the established nations.
Despite rugby’s recent, well documented problems of ‘Bloodgate’, the Schalk Burger gouging and Bath’s drug scandal, on an international scale the game has taken monumental steps. Not only have Argentina been given the chance to develop, but the dominant force in the East, Japan, were awarded the 2019 World Cup – an opportunity which should see fans flock and interest boom like the phenomenon the football equivalent produced in 2002.
