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The great career of Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe has now closed. On November 11 2006 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe defeated England. He was a part of the historic 25-18 Pumas victory at Twickenham Stadium. Twelve years on and he defeated England today, doing so for the Barbarians and as captain.
In what was an outstanding game of rugby the Barbarians completed a 63-45 victory over England at RFU Headquarters. Fernández Lobbe had the honor of leading the visitors and would kick the final conversion, a tradition for players departing the great sport of rugby.
Yet for Corcho the conversion was not the first of his career. Despite being a flanker he, indeed, landed a conversion back in 2010 for Toulon against Bayonne.
Against England today Corcho ended the final chapter of his illustrious career. His 80th minute penalty was not an easy conversion but he landed it perfectly.
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. In the 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 nine days ago with Lyon eliminating Toulon in a barrage play-off. The result saw Lyon advancing to face Montpellier in the Semi Finals. Montpellier would win and they will be up against Castres in the final next Saturday in Paris.
Toulon’s failure to get beyond the opening round of the play-off’s in both the Top 14 and European Champions Cup this season is set to see changes in the backroom staff. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe is set to join the new regime.
