Reports out of Argentina suggest that the Pumas are lining up a bid to secure a Super Rugby franchise in time for the 2016 season.
Sport24
According to Sports Business International’s website, the news was confirmed by the ARU’s communications manager Guillermo Quevedo.
The current format of the Sanzar-sanctioned competition, in which 15 teams participate, runs until the end of the 2015 season.
It is well documented that SARU would like to add a sixth South African franchis to the roster from 2016, with Sanzar not entirely open to the idea.
However, it has become increasingly evident that the Pumas would instead field a franchise of their own, in light of the fact that they have finally joined the Sanzar’s Rugby Championship.
Quevedo confirmed that the ARU will meet with Sanzar to put forward their proposal.
“There will be a meeting with the Sanzar (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) nations in March,” Quevedo said.
The Pumas have featured in the Rugby Championship since 2012, but have yet to taste victory, only summoning a 16-all draw against the Springboks in Mendoza in the same year.