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Argentina could reinvigorate Super 14 and Tri-Nations competitions

The Australian Rugby Union said that Southern Hemisphere rugby’s flagship competitions, the Super 14 and Tri-Nations, could be reinvigorated in quality and financially by the introduction of Argentina.

Organisers of the Tri-Nations are said to be considering the future shape of the competition as the present TV deal, with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp expires at the end of the 2010 season.

After a strong showing in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the Argentina rugby federation is seeking more regular test matches with the top tier nations, and ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll said their inclusion could help boost the competition. "Does the Tri-Nations need freshening up? Yes it does," Carroll said. "Could Argentina provide that freshness? Quite possibly yes.”

"Unless we have strong competitions in the southern hemisphere, both in terms of quality rugby and strong financially, then we won't be able to retain our players," said Carroll. "It is making sure Super 14 is powering along, making it an attractive competition.”