Teams representing Argentina and Namibia were confirmed as competitors in the 2010 Vodacom Cup competition at a meeting of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) Interim Executive Council (Exco) in George on Thursday.
The Argentinian team is likely to be based in Stellenbosch and play in the Southern Section of the competition. Namibia will play in the Northern Section.
”We have a responsibility as a member of the rugby family to assist our fellow nations where we can,” said Dr Jan Marais, chairman of the Interim Exco. ”By including Argentina and Namibia we hope to assist them in their preparation in the year before the Rugby World Cup.
”It could also prove an important stepping stone for Argentina in their strategy to successfully fulfill the criteria required by SANZAR to confirm their inclusion in the Tri-Nations from 2012.
”We also believe that it will be good for the Cup by adding interest to the competition and exposing our players and supporters
to different rugby cultures.”
The meeting also mandated SARU president Oregan Hoskins to continue discussions with European rugby authorities around proposals to include the Southern Kings in a northern hemisphere rugby competition. — Sapa