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UAR to let European based players represent Pumas
By Online Editors
La Nacion have reported that Argentinians plying their trade in Europe will be allowed to return to the national side.
This is expected to happen no sooner than the next Rugby Championship, although it could take place as soon as Argentina's test matches against Wales and Scotland in June.
According to the report, details are yet to be revealed in terms of how many overseas players can be included in the national squad.
"It is one of the measures that I will promote in my administration," said newly elected UAR President Marcelo Rodriguez.
"It's something that will then have to be discussed and approved through the Council, but I firmly believe that the Pumas have to play the best."
After the Jaguares' entry into Super Rugby in 2016, the UAR adopted a policy that forbid anyone not playing for the Jaguares or a Southern Hemisphere based franchise from national selection.
The policy has meant that the Pumas - World Cup semi-finalists in 2015 - have been unable to field their best possible side for two years.
Several Argentine stars have fallen victim to this policy, including star loose forward Facundo Isa, who took up a lucrative deal with French glamour club Toulon in favour of representing his national team.
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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