Pumas move even closer to Tri-Nations

ARGENTINA has moved a step closer to joining an expanded Tri-Nations in 2012 after the International Rugby Board yesterday announced a $10m (€7.5m) funding package to support the programme.

The package, ratified by the IRB executive committee, will see the game’s governing body substantially underwrite the Pumas’ entry into the southern hemisphere’s showcase competition with an unprecedented investment of $2.5m (€1.8m) per year over the period 2012-2015, subject to SANZAR conditions being met.

The IRB’s contribution is in addition to the multi-million dollar investment being made by SANZAR to facilitate the inclusion of Argentina in the Tri-Nations.