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BUENOS AIRES - It would be madness for Argentina to join the Tri-Nations without a complete revamp of the Argentine rugby championship, according to Leinster first-five eighth Felipe Contepomi.
"I think it would be ideal for the growth of (Argentine) rugby but it seems crazy to me to play the Tri-Nations," the Pumas back told the local website www.aplenorugby.com.ar.
"We'd have to make a lot of changes to the Argentine championship and the UAR (Argentina's union) and that's why I think that the best thing would be to play the Six Nations," the 29-year-old medical student said.
The UAR has been seeking a place in a top international competition for the Pumas and lobbied last month in Australia for possible inclusion in the southern hemisphere's Tri-Nations.
Wallabies coach John Connolly, however, voiced widespread concerns that Argentina would not be able to field a full strength team when their top players are contracted to French and English clubs.
This is why the northern hemisphere's Six Nations is the preferred option of Pumas coach Marcelo Loffreda.
"The Tri-Nations is played when most of us are on holiday and we need to rest," Contepomi said.
"Now, if the UAR can create something in which we could play again in Argentina, in regional professional teams, like they do in New Zealand, that would be different."
- REUTERS
