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Diego Magno has retired from international duty at the age of 35. It marks more than just the end of an era; Magno is the Americas’ first player to reach 100 caps. He earned his 100th cap for Uruguay in 2022 against Romania in Montevideo. Two years on he called it a day after reaching 107 caps for Los Teros. His final cap was against Scotland.
 RUGBY TEST CAREER – DIEGO MAGNO |
His test debut was a long time ago; Magno debuted against Russia in 2008. His first test start was in the second-row in 2010 against Brazil. His career also featured starts at flanker and N8. He even played in both positions against elite opposition; at Rugby World Cup 2015 he was a replacement second-rower against Australia in Birmingham and a replacement flanker against England in Manchester.
Magno also played in two of Uruguay’s four matches at Rugby World Cup 2019. He did so against Georgia in Kumagaya and against Wales in Kumamoto. His test career also saw him involved in Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2023 qualifiers.
The longevity of Mango’s test career can be attributed to a variety of factors. examples include his motivation and commitment to representing his country, his abilities, his adaptability for the second-rower and back-row, and Uruguay’s needs.
   PROFESSIONAL RUGBY CAREER – DIEGO MAGNO |
Magno has played professional rugby in North America and in South America. First, he played for the Houston SaberCats in Major League Rugby (MLR) from 2019-2021. He played in 29 matches with 26 starts. He then returned home to play for Peñarol in Super Liga Americana (SLAR) 2022.
2022 saw Magno winning the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) title. Peñarol claimed their first of two SLAR (now Super Rugby Americas) titles. Magno was a try-scorer in the 34-13 Semi Final victory over Los Cafeteros Pro in 2022.
The third stop in Magno’s professional career was a mixture of his first and second. He returned to the USA but not to the MLR; instead, to Colorado to play for the Americas Raptors in Super Rugby America. Magno played for the Raptors in 2023-2024.
| RUGBY BEGINNINGS – DIEGO MAGNO |
In addition to his personal on-field achievements, Magno is also from the first rugby club outside of Europe. He is a product of MVCC in Montevideo. The club was founded in 1861, making it the 8th oldest in the world.
Magno is a naive of Montevideo. He attended Scuola Italiano di Montevideo from 1991-2006. He then studied at FCEA – Facultad de Ciencias for Business and Economics from 2009-2013 and Marketing Analysis and e-Business Analysis at the Universidad de la Empresa from 2023-2024.
