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Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe is to close his career for the Barbarians against England. The match will bring to an end what has been a marvelous playing career.
A Puma from 2004-2015, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe captained his country and earned 71 caps. He played in three RWC’s, including making two appearances at the Semi Finals stage.
As a club player he had a highly successful career in both England and France. Int he English Premiership he was captain of Sale Sharks before departing for the Top 14. For Toulon he won the French title in 2014 and the European Champions Cup in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
His time at Toulon as a player ended on Friday with Lyon eliminating Toulon in a barrage play-off. The result means Lyon advance to face Montpellier next weekend in the Semi Finals.
Against Lyon Fernández lobby played 71 minutes and they were to be his final minutes as a player before the call came from the Barbarians. He was added today to the roster to face England on May 27.
In addition to Fernández Lobbe other players added were his Toulon teammates Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, and Chris Ashton. For Ashton it is an opportunity to play against his own country.
Fernández Lobbe is one of two Pumas in the side to take-on England. He joins RWC 2015 teammate Ramiro Herrera. Also on the roster is USA Eagle AJ MacGinty.
After facing the Barbarians England will tour South Africa as part of the June Internationals. Argentina are to play at home against Wales and Scotland while the Scots are to also face Canada and the USA with MacGinty expected to take-on the northern Europeans in Texas.
BARBARIANS
Forwards: John Afoa, Ultan Dillane, Ramiro Herrera, Benjamin Kayser, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sateki Timani, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Justin Tipuric, Loni Uhuli, Flip van der Merwe, Victor Vito
Backs: Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki (capt.), Greig Laidlaw, Luke McAlister, AJ MacGinty, Charles Piutau, Rhordi Williams, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Chris Ashton
