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Pumas fans will be stoked. It’s just been announced that they will play one of their ‘home’ games in this year’s Rugby Championship against the Wallabies at Twickenham.
The ARU and SANZAAR are hailing the move as an exciting opportunity for Southern Hemisphere rugby, to show the Northern Hemisphere the style and quality of the teams that dominated last year’s Rugby World Cup.
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos was quick to align the move with the Rugby Championship’s ‘global strategy’.
“Aligned with our intent to take this product across the globe, Argentina have embraced this by moving one of their home fixtures to Twickenham thereby affording an ever growing fan base in the United Kingdom the opportunity to see two of the world’s most entertaining teams compete for one of the world’s toughest trophies in front of a passionate rugby crowd at Twickenham,” he said.
Bill Pulver said the match was aimed at growing interest in Southern Hemisphere in the North.
“The Northern Hemisphere enjoyed a taste of The Rugby Championship with all four semi-finalists from the recent Rugby World Cup emanating from the SANZAAR competition,” the ARU CEO said.
“Our recent broadcast agreement with Sky Sports also indicates there is huge interest in the tournament in the UK.
“From an ARU perspective this is another fantastic opportunity to showcase the Qantas Wallabies to our fans based in England, as well as thousands of new fans.
“The two nations played out a thoroughly entertaining Rugby World Cup semi-final at Twickenham only a few months ago, so I’m sure fans in England will take the opportunity to see another open, attacking encounter between two teams who love playing with ball in hand.”
The other Test they will play will be in Perth.
This move does raise serious questions about the true ambitions of SANZAAR and the ARU. Is it part of a global strategy, or further evidence that Northern Hemisphere audience is crucial to the sport in the South?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.