Argentina will make its case to the International Rugby Board this month to join the Six Nations and modify its constitution next month to allow for paying players.

The Pumas' historic third place at the World Cup in France last month forced the UAR to take advantage of its lofty perch and make moves to meet IRB obligations for possible entry into either of the three major annual competitions: Europe's Six Nations and the southern hemisphere's Tri-Nations and Super 14.

The UAR hasn't formally decided its preference but its IRB representative, rugby great Hugo Porta, sided with the Pumas and World Cup coach Marcelo Loffreda on the Six Nations.

"They and we think its more viable ... because that is where most of the Argentine players play," Porta said this week.

Logistical and commercial reasons have prevented Argentina from inclusion in any annual tournament, but the IRB is keen to find a home for the Pumas, who beat France, Ireland and Scotland to become the first team from outside the Tri-Nations and Six Nations to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Porta will push Argentina's cause at the IRB forum for an integrated season in London at the end of the month.

"We need to make this presentation," UAR secretary Raul Sanz said. "We cannot wait until March or April next year. That would be reckless to let the months pass without decisions because the rugby world is waiting for us."

More than 400 Argentines are playing in Europe, including 27 of the 30-man World Cup squad.

They have already said that if they were accepted into an expanded Seven Nations they would base themselves in Europe, possibly in Brussels or Barcelona.

The strictly amateur UAR will hold a special meeting on December 28 to amend its constitution, allowing for professional rugby.

That meeting could define Argentina rugby for the next 15 to 20 years, Sanz said.

If Argentina can join any of the three targeted championships, the UAR plans to form a professional squad of 60 to 70 players, most of whom will come from overseas. So far, the Pumas have been paid only travel expenses and not a salary.

A chief executive officer will also need to be appointed to administer expected IRB funding, sponsorship and TV income.

However, the UAR was against forming a professional domestic league and will leave untouched its strong amateur club structure.

"It is important to keep the amateur rugby clubs, that is what makes Argentine rugby different from the rest of the world, and has led to the success of the Pumas," Sanz said.

Meanwhile, rugby director Jose Fernandez was appointed interim national coach, a job he held in 1993-94 and 1996, and was tasked with finding a successor. Fernandez said the next coach must also have played for the Pumas. Candidates included Santiago Phelan, Jose Orengo, and Patricio Noriega.

He also said Loffreda, who took up his new role as Leicester coach this week, will monitor Argentina's players in Europe and recommend who was in form. And Loffreda's former assistant Daniel Baetti will continue to work for the Pumas as an adviser.

AP