Castro Hangs Up His Boots

One of Argentina’s most noteworthy exports has called it a day. Martín Castrogiovanni has hung up his boots.

The 35-year-old has said goodbye to rugby at home. He appeared in a recent Rugby Sevens event for players weighing over 100kg. The tournament took place in his home town of Paraná, Argentina.

After more than 16 years away, Castrogiovanni wore the CAE colors and won against Córdoba Athletic at the Seven del Plumazo.

As a young adult Castrogiovanni took up an offer to play in Italy. With Argentina being strictly amateur a move to Italy would prove to be the gateway to a long and highly successful professional career. The move came after he had played u19 and u21s for Argentina.

His first club was Calvisano. It was his home from 2001-2006. After one season at the club he was selected to play for Italy. He qualified on eligibility grounds through an Italian grandparent.

In 2006 he moved to England to join the Leicester Tigers. He would remain at the club for seven seasons. Upon his departure Castro had won four Aviva Premiership titles. They were added to his 2005 Italian title.

He departed Leicester on bad terms to join Toulon in 2013. During his two seasons in south-east France the club won both the Top 14 and Champions Cup titles. Castrogiovanni then joined Racing 92 for the 2015-2016 season.

For Italy Castrogiovanni played from 2002-2016. He amassed an impressive 119 caps, second only to another Argentine player, Sergio Parisse.