AFP afpji

Argentinian rugby veterans wait on IRB

Mon 15 Oct, 03:23 PM


PARIS (AFP) - Argentina's veterans are waiting to discover whether the Pumas will be admitted to the Six Nations or Tri-Nations tournaments before making a decision on their international futures.

The World Cup semi-finalists have been pushing for inclusion in one of the two major championships and their run to the last four here has only served to boost their campaign.

"If we get into the Six Nations I will try like crazy to be able to play in it. That is what we have been fighting for. My retirement will depend on that decision," said 34-year-old hooker Mario Ledesma, a stalwart of 65 Tests.

"If you don't take advantage of what we have done in this World Cup then we have to kill ourselves."

"I heard the IRB president and the SANZAR (southern hemisphere body) president talk about it. So we have to be in one of the competitions.

"We will get what we deserve, they can't ignore Argentina."

Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time where they lost 37-13 to South Africa on Sunday.