The Argentinian Rugby Union (UAR) have named Jose Javier Fernandez as the person tasked with finding Marcelo Loffreda's successor at the Pumas.

The UAR president Alejandro Riesler announced that Fernandez, who was working as secretary, will now take over as national trainer and will have the task of choosing the coach of the national team following Loffreda's appointment as Leicester Tigers boss.

Fernandez said the name will be unveiled in the coming months.

Loffreda and his assistant Daniel Baetti will continue their relationship with the Pumas with the former head coach recommending which European-based players he believes are in good form.

"Both are involved in the national rugby team structure," said Fernandez. "Loffreda's job will be as a selector in Europe."

Meanwhile, later this month, the UAR will make a request to the International Rugby Board (IRB) to include Argentina in one of the two most important international championships.

The UAR want the Pumas to play in the Six Nations and Riesler said: "Worldwide rugby is waiting for us, but we must have a statute to allow this to happen."

If the Pumas are accepted in the Six Nations, they will have a base in Europe, possibly in Barcelona or Brussels, so European sides would not have to fly to Argentina.

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