Argentinian Entry will boost Tri Nations by US$39 million

Argentina's addition to the Tri Nations rugby competition from 2012 is set to increase the value of the tournament to US$213.1 million.
According to a study commissioned by MasterCard to the Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS), the 2010 Tri Nations will contribute US$174.3 million to the sport and leisure economy across the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney will benefit from the largest single impact, from hosting Australia v New Zealand, pocketing US$28 million, ahead of South Africaâs Johannesburg and New Zealandâs Christchurch, with $19.6 million and US$12 million, respectively.
Dr. Anna Semens, research fellow at CIBS and MasterCardâs advisor on the business of rugby explained âthe MasterCard study highlights that rugby is clearly booming and providing a considerable economic boost to the Southern Hemisphere.
âThe continued growth of rugby in the region, and its positive impact on business and local communities, is particularly exciting given that the Rugby World Cup is coming to New Zealand in 2011,�? added Stuart Cameron, vice president, regional sponsorships, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.
A similar report on Europeâs Six Nations Championship released earlier this year estimated the value of the competition to its participating nations in US$632.81 million.