The decision on rugby union's Olympic future will be taken in October 2009, International Rugby Board president Bernard Lapasset said Friday.

Lapasset, speaking at a press conference in the Argentinian capital city at the end of a three-day visit to rugby officials and the National Olympic Committee, said: "In October 2009, a decision will be taken on whether rugby will be an Olympic sport or not."

The aim of Lapasset's visit was to negotiate a strategic financial plan to help Argentina, which still has amateur status, to join "rugby's world elite."

Argentina last year achieved its best ever World Cup performance, finishing third in the tournament held in France.

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