Argentina
Daniel Hourcade leads Pumas to Rugby World Cup
ESPN Staff
December 13, 2013
Argentina'sJuan Imhoff looks to make something happen in Rome , Italy v Argentina, Olympic Stadium, Rome, November 23, 2013
Juan Imhoff and the Pumas disappointed in 2013 © Getty Images
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Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has signed an extended contract to lead the Pumas until Rugby World Cup 2015.

Argentina disappointed under Hourcade in November, losing to Wales and England and struggling to defeat Italy, but Argentina Rugby Federation chief Agustin Pichot said the coach had done enough to show he could revive the team's fortunes.

"Daniel has come through the federal ranks as a coach and we are fully confident that he can ensure we have a very successful World Cup," Pichot said, noting that Argentina's squad had been riven by internal divisions after 10 defeats in 12 matches this year.

"It is not going to be easy leading up to the World Cup, but we will depend on his experience and human qualities."

Hourcade was appointed Pumas coach in October, after Santiago Phelan resigned following Argentina's poor showing against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in The Rugby Championship.

Hourcade was little known internationally, after coaching in Portugal and at Rouen in France, but he was well known in Argentina having made his name as head coach with the national youth team, Sevens squad and the Pumas B side.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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