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Mario Sagario has called time on his international career. In a brief statement on social media, the 32-year-old tighthead prop said he would no longer be representing Uruguay for personal reasons. He did not elaborate on the decision.
It brings the curtains down on Sagario’s tremendous contributions to Los Teros, a test career that spanned 13 years. His 76 caps is currently second-most in Uruguayan history, a mark topped only by long-time teammate and current Teros lock Diego Magno.
Sagario made his debut at the age of just 20 against Chile in 2006. He was part of the team in wins over Russia, Spain, and the Argentina XV in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup, where he started all four matches – facing Wales, Australia, Fiji, and England.
A product of the famous Carrasco Polo club of Montevideo, he played professionally in Europe for six seasons beginning in 2010. He began in France with Dax, then spent one year in Spain with Santboiana, then returned to France for three seasons with Massy Essonne. His World Cup performance led to a season-long contract with Munster in the Pro 12.
Throughout 2017 he appeared in nine consecutive victories, the greatest run in his career. In February the following year he was again asked to play a crucial role for Los Teros, anchoring the scrum against Canada in back-to-back victories that earned Uruguay their place in Rugby World Cup 2019.
It was hoped that Sagario would stay on with Los Teros through Rugby World Cup 2019, but that will now not be the case. Uruguay will instead turn to veterans Juan Echeverría and Juan Pedro Rombys to fill the crucial tighthead role.
Luego de tantos años, partidos y recuerdos inolvidables toca dar un paso al costado en esta historia. Lamentablemente por motivos personales no podré seguir siendo parte del equipo nacional, solo resta decir muchas gracias por todo y suerte en lo que sigue. pic.twitter.com/SUfhDkXSet
— Mario Sagario (@MarioSagario) May 27, 2019
