Henry continuing Pumas role

The Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) have confirmed that former All Black coach Graham Henry will continue to assist the Pumas in this year’s Rugby Championship.

The World Cup winner’s blueprint was evident in the Pumas’ play in the inaugural Rugby Championship last year.    

Argentina failed to win a match but showed plenty of promise and improvement, securing a first ever draw with the Springboks and pushing the Wallabies to the limit.

"Having been a very competitive team in the 2012 Rugby Championship, this new edition of the tournament will be an even greater challenge for Argentina," Henry said in a statement.

"The Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies will surely be stronger teams than last year but without doubt it will be a positive challenge, you only improve facing the best."

Manuel Galindo, head of the UAR's high performance department, said it is a big boon for Argentine rugby to retain Henry’s services.

"It's an honour [for] the UAR to be able to count on the assistance of such an experienced and important person in the rugby world as Graham Henry," he said.

UAR president Luis Castillo said they are also eager to retain Santiago Phelan as coach after Phelan mentioned possibly leaving the position after the Rugby Championship for family reasons.

"Tati [Phelan] has the doors open to continue but whether he does or not is a personal issue," he said.