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In a history confirmation Diego Ormaechea has become the first Uruguayan to be inducted in the World Rugby Hall of Fame. The former captain and Head Coach of Los Teros will be inductee No.148 and is one of six players going in this year.
Born in Montevideo on September 19, 1959 Ormaechea would have a test playing career of two decades, from 1979-1999. He would earn 54 caps with the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th being RWC matches at the 199 tournament.
At RWC 1999 Ormaechea was the oldest player, aged 40. That mark remains a record at Rugby World Cups and is extremely unlikely to be surpassed. He would set another record in being the oldest player to score a try at a RWC as he did so against Spain. Of his 54 caps 37 were as captain.
Following retirement he would continue with Los Teros but as a coach. He would be in charge of the team at RWC 2003 wherein Uruguay completed a 24-12 win over Georgia, the most notable result for Los Teros in their three RWC tournament appearances.
His undeniable mark on the game in Uruguay has crossed generations. His sons Agustín Ormaechea, and Juan Diego Ormaechea are to play at RWC 2019 which begins in seven days time.
Fellow inductees in 2019 are former Springbok prop Os du Randt, Samoa’s Peter Fatialofa, Shiggy Konno from Japan, and All Blacks pair Graham Henry and Richie McCaw.
