Argentina are to go ahead with a threat to exclude Juan Imhoff and other Europe-based stars behind their Rugby World Cup success unless they join a new Buenos Aires Super Rugby side, a top official said.
Puma legend Agustin Pichot warned ahead of today’s World Cup semi-final against Australia that the measure was necessary to stop wealthy European clubs taking Argentina’s top talent.
A Buenos Aires franchise is to join the Super XV tournament next year.
Photo: Reuters
However, Imhoff, scorer of five tries at the World Cup, has pledged his future to Racing 92 in France until 2018.
Prop Marcos Ayerza and tough tackling center Marcelo Bosch have also promised to stay with English sides Leicester Tigers and Saracens. They had all hoped for Puma exemptions. However, Pichot said there is no chance.
“We have talked with Juan. He understands the reasons why if he does not play for the franchise he will not be selected,” said Pichot, Argentina’s representative on World Rugby.
“It is a policy like they have in New Zealand. We adopted it because it has had good results for them.”
Defending World Cup champions New Zealand and countries like England also do not let foreign-based stars into the national team. However, Australia has eased its restrictions.
Pichot captained Argentina and played for Racing in France and Bristol in England. However, he said Argentina could not afford to lose its best players.
“We do it for protection, otherwise the European market will dominate all our players,” he said.
“That does not mean that Juan cannot play for the Pumas in the future — if he plays in the franchise,” Pichot added.
“We offered Juan a contract, the Argentinian union offered Juan a contract, but he did not accept. The door is still open because Juan is a great player,” he added.
Pichot said there would be no exceptions.
“It is not planned. We will do the best for the franchise,” Pichot said
Before the World Cup, Imhoff — who carried out a spectacular swan-dive try against Ireland in the quarter-final — said his mind was made up.
“I feel good at Racing. I have been lucky... I take responsibility for this decision,” Imhoff said.
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