Former Pumas flanker Santiago Phelan has been appointed Argentina coach in succession to Marcelo Loffreda, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) announced today.

Centre Fabian Turnes has been named as Phelan’s assistant, the UAR’s new president Porfirio Carreras, elected last month, told a news conference.

Loffreda steered the Pumas to third place at the 2007 World Cup in France before quitting to take up the head coach position at leading English club Leicester Tigers.

Phelan, who played at the 1999 and 2003 World Cups and has coached the Argentina A team, was one of the few leading Pumas of his generation not to play professionally abroad, spending his entire career with Club Atletico San Isidro in Buenos Aires.

The 33-year-old said he had received the support of leading Pumas for his appointment. “I’m grateful to the players for their backing,” he said.

BUENOS AIRES