Phelan jumps Pumas ship early
Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has announced his resignation with immediate effect, leaving the Pumas looking for a coach for their upcoming European tour.
The former Pumas flank has been in charge of the national team for the last six years and was expected to step aside once his contract expired at the end of the year, but he called an early end to his tenure.
"Santiago Phelan will not continue his job as head coach of the Pumas after six years in charge," the UAR said on its website.
"The national team's head coach communicated his decision to the UAR's executive board and he will not lead the team during the tour in November of England, Wales and Italy."
Phelan led the Pumas to the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup where they were knocked out by eventual champions New Zealand, but the team have since failed to register a single win in their first two seasons in the Rugby Championship.
The UAR were expected to name a foreign coach as his replacement at the end of the year, and they confirmed that they will announce a stand-in for the upcoming year-end tour at a press conference on Tuesday.
Under his watch the Pumas won just 13 of their 45 matches, with 31 defeats and a draw against the Springbok last year.
The Pumas open their European tour with a Test against England at Twickenham on November 9. They meet Wales in Cardiff and Italy in Turin on the following two Saturdays.
