Argentina's admittance to the Tri-Nations has moved a step closer with the IRB confirming a US$10m funding plan.
The Pumas will benefit from an injection of US$2.5 million per year between 2012-2015 after the IRB's executive committee rubber-stamped the plan, adding to investment by SANZAR.
Despite this boost there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before Argentina can lay claim to a spot in the expanded competition, with a number of SANZAR conditions yet to be tackled.
One such condition is that Argentina's best players are available, thus safeguarding the quality of the tournament. With this in mind SANZAR and the Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) have requested that the IRB amend its regulation on player release and the council is now set to discuss any changes at a meeting on May 12.
"The IRB recognises the substantial strategic financial and operational commitment that the SANZAR unions are making to assist Argentina's inclusion and we will continue to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable financial platform to make Argentina's transition as smooth as possible," IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said.
"It is now essential that all elements are delivered, including the participation of Argentina's top players. I would like to express my thanks to SANZAR for its continued commitment to the process."