Where does Argentina lie in the World Rugby stage?

Rugby Blog UK has reported that Argentina, who lie third in the world at the moment after their World Cup exploits, will compete in the Churchill Cup. Does this suffice, or should the Pumas be allowed to enter one of the major world competitions, and show their credentials regularly?

The other Tri-Nations countries are reluctant to let Argentina join and take a cut of the money generated, with some reports suggesting it could be at least another four years before Argentina is considered.

Is this fear? Why would Australia, New Zealand and South Africa not want another competitive team to join their ranks? There wasn’t as much rancour when Italy joined the then Five Nations competition.

But can Argentina logistically enter the Six Nations? Surely a team from the Southern hemisphere cannot compete in the Northern Hemispheres premier competition?

Nearly all of Argentina’s players are based in Europe, so that doesn’t particularly hold too much of a problem. With Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium being mooted as a possible stadium for the Pumas, maybe a new Seven Nations tournament isn’t too far away. Their entry into the Churchill Cup may be the first stepping stone.