Santiago Phelan is new Pumas coach

On a high: Santiago Phelan and new assitant coach Fabian Turnes

Former Pumas flanker Santiago Phelan has been appointed as the new Argentina coach succeeding Marcelo Loffreda, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) announced on Thursday.

At a news conference in Buenes Aires, the UAR's newly elected president Porfirio Carreras also announced that centre Fabian Turnes has been named as Phelan's assistant.

Loffreda was at the helm as the Pumas produced thier best ever perfomance at the 2007 World Cup in France, when they finished third, 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.