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The fabulous career of Marcos Ayerza has ended. The 34-year-old Argentine Loose Head prop has announced his retirement with immediate effect. He does so after having played almost 250 times for the Leicester Tigers over an 11 year period.
Ayerza joined Leicester in 2006. It was his first professional contract and saw him make the switch from Buenos Aires club, Newman. He had caught the attention of the Aviva Premiership side after having debuted for Argentina aged 21.
His stellar international career saw him earn 66 caps and appear in three Rugby World Cups. This included an appearance in the historic Bronze Final winning effort in 2007. His final test came in the 2015 Semi Final defeat against Australia.
UAR selection policies saw him missing out on test rugby in 2016. Yet even without changes Ayerza had such an amazing career that he is the most capped Loose Head in Pumas history. Overall he sits as the 10th most capped Puma of all time.
In addition to appearing in Rugby World Cups, Ayerza was involved in winning efforts against elite opposition. Several months following the start of his career at Leicester he defeated England at Twickenham. Wins also came against France, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales in away matches. Ayerza also held the scrum together in the 2014 win over Australia and 2015 Quarter Final defeat of Ireland.
His world class abilities came from Buenos Aires and were transformed into English Rugby. As a Leicester Tiger, Ayerza made his 200th starting appearance in 2016. It was not only the length of his stay which impressed but also the success. He played in six consecutive Aviva Premiership Finals and two European Cup Finals.
Ayerza was recognized by receiving Leicester’s Outstanding Service award at the end of the 2013/14 season and was named Player of the Year at the supporters’ awards in 2014/15.
Lifetime long Leicester Tigers support Brian Cove spoke with Americas Rugby News about Ayerza. “Where would you start? He has been the mainstay of the Tigers pack for the last 11 years. At a club that has always had a front row to fear he stepped in and carried that tradition forward.”
“Off the pitch he was a true class act as much as he was on it. I was at an open day with my three children three years ago and Tom was wearing his Old Northamptonians shirt. He was 12 years old at the time. Imagine the feeling he had when Marcos came up with a smile on his face and shook his hand. Asked him who he played for and what position. He was hooker at the time so he said ‘bind on then’ – Tom was too shy to do it, but what an amazing man. I hope he stays at Welford Road and becomes our scrum coach.”
Gracias Marcos y Suerte!
