Argentina's President Mauricio Macri said Monday the South American country wanted to bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

"The decision is in line with the objective of promoting major sporting events that could attract tourists and investment and stimulate the development of infrastructure projects that benefit the country," said Macri after a meeting with former Argentina captain Agustin Pichot, the future vice-president of World Rugby.

The next edition of the Rugby World Cup will take place in Japan in 2019, with France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa bidding to host the 2023 tournament.

Macri, a former president of Boca Juniors football club, said he intends to make the bid official in October, when world rugby bosses visit Buenos Aires for the Four Nations match between Argentina and New Zealand.

Macri congratulated Pichot, 41, on his rise through the ranks of World Rugby. "It's a matter of pride and proof of the reputation  our country holds in the world of rugby," he said.

The Pumas reached the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2015, and although Argentina have few capacity rugby stadiums there are many top class football venues.

Buenos Aires will in 2018 host the Youth Olympic Games, with the football-mad country also hoping to make a joint bid with Uruguay to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Source :AFP