Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
A retirement call is coming from a World Class Puma on Wednesday. At a special press conference, Juan Martín Hernández is to make the announcement, ending his professional career.
Details of Hernández’ sudden retirement have already been published by Midi Olympique. The French publication has retained a tight bond with Hernández with him being among the most beloved Argentine players to have graced the fields in the Top 14.
In total Hernández earned 74 caps for Argentina. His debut was in 2003 against Paraguay with his final appearance coming last November against Italy. In between hand he played in RWCs 2003, 2007 and 2015. In the second of these tournaments Argentine defeated France twice.
The sudden end to his career means his final match against France will be that from June 2016. The 30-19 win in Tucumán was one of just three matches against Les Bleus since RWC 2007. The others were a 12-6 loss in Marseilles in 2008 and an 18-13 win in Paris in 2014.
Hernández would be named man-of-the-match in Paris. Post match his ties to France were highlighted in being interviewed with former French captain Fabien Galthié among the trio.
Galthié had coached him at Stade Français. The club was his home from 2003-2009 and he would win French titles in 2004 and 2007 and also appear in a European Final. From there he moved to South Africa before playing for both Racing 92 and Toulon and, lastly becoming a Jaguar. With Toulon he would win the Champions Cup.
Hernández’ most recent match was in Super Rugby playing against the Reds in Buenos Aires. Speaking to Midi Olympique Hernández commented on the injury he picked dup in the match:
“Two weeks ago, in a game against the Reds in Buenos Aires, I injured my right knee, which I have already had operated twice. The cruciate ligaments are not affected but the pain is strong and the requirements of Super Rugby mean that I am unable to compete like this. As such I have decided to stop playing. Voila, it is over.”
El Mago went on to say he would not be retiring from rugby just yet. Instead he is to return to where it all started, to play for for Asociación Deportiva Francesa, his home club in Buenos Aires.
