Six of the best for Pumas

The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) have confirmed that the cities of Rosario and Mendoza will host Test matches in what will be a bumper home shedule of six games for the Pumas in 2012.

Argentina will play 12 Test matches next year, thanks to their involvement in the all-new Rugby Championship which will see them join Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in a four-nation tournament.

The Pumas had previously played a maximum of six Tests a year, as allowed by the two IRB international windows, but next year their involvement in the Rugby Championship will see them double that roster which also represents a good opportunity to grow the game in the South American country.

Although none of the venues for the six home games in 2012 have been confirmed both Rosario and Mendoza have met the requirements set by the UAR to host games thanks to the support of their provincial governments and unions.

SANZAR, who will run the Rugby Championship, have already expressed their preference for the capital city of Beunos Aires as a venue for games played in Argentina, but with fixtures against Italy and France planned for the June international window there are other options available.

Mendoza last hosted a Test match in June 2007 when Argentina hosted Italy, while Rosario's last Test match was in June 2008 when Scotland played there.

Argentina Test fixtures for 2012:
(All match dates fall on a Sunday)

June 9: Argentina v Italy
June 16: Argentina v France
June 23: Argentina v France
August 18: South Africa v Argentina
August 25: Argentina v South Africa
September 8: New Zealand v Argentina
September 15: Australia v Argentina
September 29: Argentina v New Zealand
October 6: Argentina v Australia
November 10 Wales vs Argentina
November 17 France vs Argentina
November 24 Ireland vs Argentina