Puma stars face exclusion
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 will join the Super Rugby tournament in 2016.
But Imhoff, scorer of five tries at the World Cup, has pledged his future to Racing 92 in France 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. It is a policy like they have in New Zealand. We [have] adopted it because it has had good results for them," Pichot said.
Defending World Cup champions New Zealand and countries like England also do not let foreign-based stars into the national team. Australia has eased its restrictions. Pichot captained Argentina and played for Racing in France as well as Bristol in England but said Argentina could not afford to lose its best players.
"We do it for protection, otherwise the European market will dominate all our players. That does not mean that Juan cannot play for the Pumas in the future – if he plays in the franchise. We offered Juan a contract, the Argentinian union offered Juan a contract but he did not accept. The door is still open because Juan is a great player," Pichot added.
Before the World Cup, Imhoff said his mind was made up.
"I feel good at Racing. I have been lucky and today I am living a dream. I take responsibility for this decision," Imhoff said.
Ayerza, one of the world's top loosehead props, said this week he does not want to give up the Pumas and still hopes there would be exemptions.
"I had committed to Leicester before Argentina made any confirmation of the new policies. I don't know if there will be any exceptions. I play every game wearing this jersey as if it is my last. You never know with injuries and coaches' likes and dislikes or policies," Ayerza said.
Pichot said competing in the Rugby Championship against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa has been crucial in Argentina's improvement in the past two years.
The Buenos Aires team will join Super Rugby along with a new Japanese team – the Sunwolves .
"Competition is the most important thing. You can train all you want, but if there is no league it means nothing. Super Rugby is the NBA of rugby and Argentina will be playing. This can only improve the Pumas and help them keep improving," Pichot stated.
Pichot said Argentina was capable of hosting a World Cup but there was no plan in the medium term to make a bid.
AFP
