Argentina, Namibia to play in Vodacom Cup
10 December 2009 (19:15)
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| Martin Rodriguez © Gallo Images |
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 in the Vodacom Cup 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 Vodacom Tri-Nations from 2012.
“We also believe that it will be good for the Vodacom 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.
Mr Hoskins told the meeting he had been encouraged by discussions around the possibility of the Kings appearing in the Celtic League competition.
Other outcomes of the meeting were:
- Saru will seek special dispensation from Government to host the 2010 test against France
at Newlands on June 12, during the Fifa World Cup. Failing that, Saru will pursue options
to host the match overseas.
- The tests against Italy on June 19 and 26 will be hosted in Witbank and East London on
the proviso that the venues meet the required criteria.
- Players younger than 18 years of age shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in any
position at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU.
- In addition, players who are 18 but under the age of 19 years of age shall not be
allowed to play senior rugby in the front row at any level of rugby under the auspices of
Saru, unless a waiver is granted by Saru after the achievement of certain criteria.
- It was decided against tendering for the right to host the 2013 IRB Rugby World Cup
Sevens tournament.
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