Argentina have moved a step closer to competing in an expanded Four Nations with Australia, New Zealand and Australia after the International Rugby Board changed a regulation on player availability.
One of the conditions set by SANZAR, the body which governs the Tri Nations, for Argentina to join was they would be able to secure the availability of their best players.
With the decision of the IRB council, which shifts the release period for international players in line with the dates for the new tournament - from late August until early October - the way has been paved for Argentina to join the fray in 2012.
Steve Tew, chief executive of SANZAR and New Zealand Rugby Union, said: ‘This is an exciting step for SANZAR and for world rugby, as it confirms Argentina's participation in a top-flight rugby competition, which they thoroughly deserve, and will add a dynamic new element to the current Tri Nations, which is already regarded as one of the world's toughest tournaments.
‘We now need to finalise a participation agreement with the UAR so we can move to full planning for the introduction of Argentina in 2012.’
