Four Nations relying on strong Pumas

The Australian Rugby Union says Argentina will have to overcome a number of hurdles to join an expanded Tri-Nations series in 2012.

The International Rugby Board has agreed to provide a crucial funding package for the Pumas' admission, but the ARU says Argentina needs to provide a guarantee that its best players will be available for the competition.

Most of Argentina's top players are based in Europe.

The IRB funding now only needs to be ratified by the IRB Council at its next meeting on May 12, with the three other nations already agreeing to the expansion to a Four Nations tournament.