Join ‘Los Jaguares’ in Super 18 or be barred from national selection, Argentina warns RWC stars

Argentina will go ahead with a threat to exclude Juan Imhoff and other Europe-based stars behind their World Cup success unless they join a new Buenos Aires Super Rugby side, a top official said.

Puma legend Agustin Pichot warned ahead of Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against Australia that the measure was necessary to stop wealthy European clubs taking Argentina’s top talent.

A Buenos Aires franchise – tipped to be named “Los Jaguares” (Jaguars) – will join the southern hemisphere club tournament in 2016.

But Imhoff, scorer of five tries so far at the Rugby World Cup, has pledged his future to French Top 14 outfit Racing 92 until 2018.

Prop Marcos Ayerza and tough tackling centre Marcelo Bosch have also promised to stay with English sides Leicester and Saracens.

They had all hoped for Puma exemptions. But Pichot said there is no chance.

“We have talked with Juan. He understands the reasons why if he does not play for the franchise he will not be selected,” said Pichot, Argentina’s representative on World Rugby.