Pumas hero's 18,000-mile bid to become a Euro star

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Only one non-EU player can be on the pitch for Guinness Premiership matches at any time and the Argentine World Cup No8 qualifies for an Italian passport through his maternal grandfather.

Flying in: Leguizamon will become an EU citizen

But to become an EU citizen, Leguizamon had to fly to Buenos Aires, return to London and then head to Rome to deliver the relevant documents to the Italian authorities.

However, a technical hitch has ensured the 24-year-old must now undertake another return journey to Rome to ensure he receives the documents before Christmas.

His actions mean only Australian full-back Peter Hewat and prop Clarke Dermody, from New Zealand, will have to compete for the one non-EU place.

The Pumas star came to prominence by flattening France's Sebastien Chabal in the thirdplace World Cup play-off, which Argentina won 34-10.

The hit was deemed illegal but Leguizamon, who spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin, said: "I still say the tackle was fine. It made a big impact back in Argentina.

"The next important thing is to get my passport."

Leguizamon will be in the Irish team to face Saracens at Watford on Sunday, having helped his club record successive bonus points wins in the Heineken Cup.

"The game will be very tough and we must keep the momentum going," he added.