The Six Nations committee confirmed yesterday they have received a letter from the Argentina Rugby Union requesting a place in an expanded tournament

The Pumas are anxious to build on their third-place finish at the World Cup by gaining entry into one of the established annual competitions.

The Tri-Nations is a possible home but, with almost the entire national squad playing their rugby in Europe, the Six Nations remains Argentina's preferred option.

The International Rugby Board are determined to find a home for Argentina but there are commercial and logistical complications that would have to be considered, such as existing television and sponsorship deals. And an extra week would also have to be found to incorporate a seventh team into the tournament.