South African Rugby Union president and SANZAR chairperson Oregan Hoskins wants to see Argentina join a expanded Tri-Nations tournament by 2012.
"The sooner we can get Argentina in the Tri-Nations the better," Hoskins told Supersport."I'm meeting with them in Buenos Aires on January 16. Rugby in Argentina needs a professional arm. The International Rugby Board is very eager to see Argentina playing in the Tri-Nations. "Apart from the professional arm that needs to be established, rugby in Argentina also requires a culture of professionalism."Their top players are based in Europe and a plan has to be made to get them back to Argentina." Hoskins will report back to the SANZAR board after his meeting. He hopes Argentina will be able to contract their players at the end of their European stints."There is so much potential for rugby in Argentina," he added.
"They view South Africa as an older brother. Danie Craven and Izak van Heerden did a lot to promote rugby there. If we help them now, we are continuing the work of our predecessors." Hoskins did not rule out the possibility of an Argentinean side taking part in a future Currie Cup competition and said he hopes "two teams" from the South American country would be able to play in an expanded Super 14. South Africa are also hoping to establish an Eastern Cape side for participation in the Super 14. "The Eastern Cape is very high on our agenda. We have already met with Eastern Province's new president (Cheeky Watson)," said Hoskins. "We aim to build a franchise there and play some friendly games against top sides, but I don't want to reveal much more at this stage."
