KEY POINTS:
A move to include Argentina in the Tri-Nations is gathering support and could happen as early as next year, according to South African news reports.
South Africa's Sunday Times reported the International Rugby Board has applied pressure on SANZAR to get the South Americans involved in the Southern Hemisphere's show-piece tournament.
The newspaper reported IRB chief executive Mike Millar saying there was nothing to stop Argentina joining the Tri-Nations next year if everyone wants it.
"The Tri-Nations are all agreed that we need to do something about Argentina - there have been discussions taking place - and the IRB has made it clear that we look at any scheme that helps to ensure they are properly integrated into international rugby," he said.
Argentinian journalist Frankie Degas says the players are ready, given most of them have professional European contracts but that needs to translate to the country's largely amateur administrators.
Argentina's possible participation in the Tri-Nations has long been debated and this latest development has found support in South African circles at least.
Springbok coach Jake White said if SANZAR is honest about making rugby a global game, Argentina must be accommodated.
He said the Pumas have shown they are competitive against the best, and the Tri-Nations needs something fresh.
Argentina are currently sixth in the IRB world rankings, ahead of England, Scotland and Wales.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NEWSTALK ZB
