Great news today that Argentina are to join the Tri-Nations tournament. It has long been an injustice that the Pumas have been deprived of guaranteed regular competition, instead relying on their ability to schedule tour matches in Europe every year. The major rugby nations had been for many years looking the other way, with the SANZAR nations arguing that the Argentineans should play in Europe, where most of their players are based, and the European teams arguing that they should play in the southern hemisphere. Neither party seemed to want to take responsibility for the Pumas, presumably worried about their own attendance levels and television contracts.
Nonetheless, it always made sense for them to play in their own hemisphere, allowing them to play at home in Argentina, and develop the game there. Playing matches in Spain would have done little in the long run for Argentinean rugby. Their domestic game is still amateur, so having regular international rugby in the southern hemisphere season could be a prelude to going professional at home.
The conditions in the agreement are worth noting, as they include suggestions that the Super 14 sides will home the Argentinean players, making sure they are playing in the right season, and hopefully bringing closer the prospect of an Argentinean side in an expanded Super 14.
Regular competition will do wonders for the game in what has become one of the most respected rugby nations outside of the big five of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and France. The chance to develop their national side against high quality opposition, regular access to their top players, and a greater fan and player base at home, will all make a huge difference. If the Pumas are capable of a third-placed finish at the Rugby World Cup without these elements, then it seems distinctly possible that a genuine World Cup challenge could be mounted in 2015, after the new deal takes effect.
The addition will also be great for the Tri-Nations. The tournament has added extra games in recent years, and has the highest standard of rugby in the world, but has suffered from a lack of variety. The same players and locations are seen week-in, week-out in the tournament and the Super 14, and that lack of variety is something that has been cited by players who have headed north to Europe. Adding Argentina will bring in new players, new fans, new locations and a different rugby culture, and should create a more expansive feel to the tournament.
Much is made of expanding the game of rugby into new territories, a key factor in the game’s drive for Olympic recognition. However, there are many existing rugby nations that need support from the international community first. Should this move go to plan, the rugby world can turn its attention to developing the prospects of the Pacific and eastern European nations, where there are real opportunities to develop into the professional game.
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