Argentina names new rugby coach

BUENOS AIRES, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Santiago Phelan was named on Thursday as Argentina's new rugby coach by Argentina's Rugby Union (UAR) in a press conference in a centric hotel in this South American country's capital, Buenos Aires.

"We want the players to be in the best of condition when they play," said Phelan, 33, and stated his "happiness" for having been chosen to replace Marcelo Loffreda, and he added that it "will be a great responsibility."

Argentina's rugby team's assistant coach Fabian Turnes was also presented by UAR on Thursday at the press conference.

Argentina's Rugby team, also known as "The Pumas," obtained a historic third place in the France-2007 World Rugby Cup.

Phelan's debut will be on June 7 in two match games against Scotland, which will be played in Argentina and on June 28 his team will play against Italy.