The Nations Cup is aimed at providing more competition for tier one A sides, as well as offering opportunities for second and third tier nations such as Portugal, Russia, Namibia, Uruguay, Georgia and Romania. The Nations Cup is an important tournament for both Italy and Argentina; at the time of the inaugural competition in 2006, the two sides combined had only nine players that did not play in their respective domestic competitions. The inaugural tournament was won by Argentina A.
The Nations Cup was expanded in 2007, with six teams instead of four. Argentina A and Italy A returned, along with Namibia, Georgia, Romania and the Emerging Springboks. This was in part to allow Namibia, Georgia and Romania to warm up for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. All fixtures were played at the Tineretului Stadium in Bucharest, with the Emerging Springboks being crowned champions.
In 2008 Argentina A, soon to be rechristened as Argentina Jaguars, left the tournament to play in the Churchill Cup, Namibia also withdrew. Uruguay and Russia took their places. The Emerging Springboks were crowned champions for the second time with a 100% record.
2009 saw the addition of Scotland A and France A to the tournament at the expense of the Emerging Springboks and Georgia, which both had other commitments that year. The Emerging Springboks played the British and Irish Lions during the Lions' tour of South Africa, while Georgia accepted an invitation to the Churchill Cup. Scotland A won that year's edition.
The 2010 edition will be held at Arcul de Triumf Stadium in Bucharest. Romania and defending champions Scotland A will return from 2009, as will Italy A. France A, Russia, and Uruguay will instead play in the 2010 Churchill Cup. Their places will be taken by Georgia, returning after a one-year absence, and Namibia and Argentina Jaguars, returning for the first time since 2007.
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Match Schedule:
Argentina Jaguars vs Scotland A
Date: 20 Jun 2010
Play Time:12:00 until 14:00 EST
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