Puerto Madryn's 12,500-capacity stadium will host the June 11 match, which will be the first ever Test to take place in Patagonia.

The move reflects the Argentinian Rugby Union's policy of staging some Pumas matches away from Buenos Aires, with Wales scheduled to complete their two-Test tour on June 17 in the capital.

Wales team manager Alan Phillips said: ''We have been invited to play the first game of our two-match tour outside of Buenos Aires and we are delighted to be playing for the first time in Patagonia.

''It will be a unique opportunity for the Welsh team to play in the Welsh colony and we will now be viewing it as a home fixture.

''We are still negotiating the exact kick-off details, but I have been assured that the 12,500-capacity stadium is suitable for Test rugby.

''This will be an important tour for the team because the Pumas are a strong unit and Wales will have a new coaching team at the helm.

''We need to make sure our preparations are not hampered in any way, although I do think the move to host the game in Puerto Madryn will give all the squad a boost.''

The city of Puerto Madryn is named after the founding father of the Welsh immigrants who landed in 1865, Sir Love Jones-Parry of Madryn.

Former Wales international Ieuan Evans, who played alongside Jonathan Davies and Carwyn Davies in a Patagonian team in the Argentinian National Sevens tournament in the late 1980s, was delighted by the move.

''There are strong cultural and emotional links between Wales and Patagonia and it was a fascinating experience playing out there,'' said Evans.

''Having the Andes mountains as a backdrop in a town where people speak Welsh was weird and wonderful.

''The Welsh that is spoken there is very pure and quite old fashioned. I'm sure it will be an enriching experience for the Welsh team.''

First Minister Rhodri Morgan added: ''This is a hugely exciting announcement both for Wales and for Welsh descendents living in Patagonia.

''It is 140 years since the first Welsh settlers set foot on Patagonian soil at Puerto Madryn and playing the first Test match against Argentina is a fitting tribute to the grit and determination of those early pioneers.''