Pumas could change Exiles Policy in March

The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) is set to discuss their controversial overseas selection policy at the annual general meeting in March. Their current policy rules all exiles ineligible to represent Los Pumas with only those plying their trade in Argentina considered for test rugby, effectively limiting the Pumas to those playing Super Rugby with the Jaguares.

Put in place prior to their Super Rugby entry in 2016, the decision has not had its intended result. The Jaguares finished with a losing record in each of its first two seasons, and the Pumas have dropped from 5th to 8th in the World Rugby Rankings. They won just two of 12 test matches in 2017.

The UAR has recently softened its stance opening the door for European professionals to play at Rugby World Cup 2019, but the string of poor results and the departure of key players will almost certainly see them altering the policy further. Options include limiting the number of overseas players selected, placing a cap requirement similar to that of Australia, South Africa, and Wales, or discarding it completely.

While Daniel Hourcade is set to keep his job as Head Coach for the time being, the appointment of Mario Ledesma, Nicolás Fernández Miranda, and Martín Gaitan to take charge of the Jaguares will see new names in Super Rugby this season. ‘El Huevo’ has been defiant in the face of critics but a new policy would see the UAR force his hand.

As originally reported by Argentine rugby site A Pleno Rugby, World Rugby Vice-Chairman Agustín Pichot discussed the possibility of changes in a radio interview with Cadena Ser de España.

“A couple of months ago I said that we had to revise that policy. This is a challenging point in time for the system. The last two years have been very hard. I see that Argentina is taking steps to rethink and to modify the system and that is positive.”

Those set to benefit from such a change include recent departures Lucas Noguera Paz and Ramiro Herrera, both props, while loose forward Facundo Isa and winger Juan Imhoff are world class players that have been missed by the Pumas. Agen hooker Facundo Bosch, Clermont flyhalf Patricio Fernández, and Newcastle midfielder Juan Pablo Socino are others who could return to contention.

Gloucester lock Mariano Galarza has been rumored to be returning to Argentina at the end of the season but could reconsider if the policy is changed. Meanwhile Santiago Cordero is the latest star linked to a European move with Leicester reportedly keen on acquiring his services as soon as January.