Argentina Seeks Super Rugby Franchise In 2016, To Hold Talks Next Year

Argentina hopes to have a Super Rugby franchise beginning in '16 and "will hold talks with senior officials early next year," according to Rex Gowar of IOL SPORT. National union (UAR) Communications Manager Guillermo Quevedo said, "There will be a meeting with the Sanzar (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) nations in March.'' Establishing one or two franchises in the southern hemisphere's top club competition "is seen by Argentina as another step in their growth as a rugby nation," following an "outstanding third place" at the 2007 World Cup in France. The UAR "launched a new badge and team brand this week, in an effort to cash in on the Pumas' selling power" (IOL SPORT, 12/20).