SA welcomes Argentina into expanded rugby Tri-Nations

[Thequeerone]

http://www.businessday.co.za/article...?ID=BD4A908909

WITHOUT beating drums or advertising its role in the development of rugby in South America and Africa, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) has quietly supported Argentina’s successful bid to be included in an expanded Tri-Nations and in future Super Rugby structures.

Argentina finished third at last year’s World Cup, their best showing yet in the tournament, even though they did not compete in the Tri-Nations or Six Nations tournaments, two of rugby’s major competitions.

However, last week Saru celebrated the International Rugby Board’s (IRB’s) decision to include Argentina in an expanded Tri-Nations and in future Super Rugby structures.

“That is dependent on the establishment of a professional league in Argentina, a process in which the Argentinian Rugby Union is currently engaged,” said Saru president Oregan Hoskins.

more at link above

[zimeric]

Great news.. looking forward to see how they work the travel logistics though.. would the Argies be based out of SA or what?

[jargan83]

I hope not, no home ground advantage. Would possibly see the introduction of bye weeks to accomodate the travel that would required?
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[JediKnight]

Home ground advantage for the Argies would be in Europe!

[jargan83]

Home ground advantage for the Argies would be in Europe!

I'll pay that. But if it is genuine attempt to grow the game, the games would have to played in Argentina
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[TOCC]

in principle including Argentina is a great idea, there are just so many other issues that need to be dealt with first.. foremost making sure they are able to have there players released by the clubs in Europe.

Secondly, the logistics is a major issue, also do they keep the tournament at a 3 match round robin or reduce it to only 2. Either way it would mean they are able to have 2 tri-nations matches/weekend by every team, do they include a bye weekend in the middle or not. at the end of the day, including argentina is going to be exspensive and it will make it a lot harder on the players with all the travel and possibly longer tournament.

and i think the most important aspect, what will the name be, it cant really be quad-nations because that sounds a little silly, 4-nations sounds like a miniature 6-nations.

Maybe the Southern Hemisphere International Rugby Tournament, or SHIRT for those pepole who love acronymns

[Cowboy]

I think that they should drop the Rugby from the suggested name Southern Hemisphere International Tournament sounds great to me

[Thequeerone]

Didn't Argentina recently elect to play a home game at Twickenham (they want to make money - as they are broke ! )

[beige]

If anyone finds a single mention of this anywhere else, please let me know...