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Joaquín Tuculet has retired from Los Pumas. He has done so one day after bringing an end to his contract with the Unión Argentina de Rugby. Tuculet’s test career ends at the age of 31. He played for Argentina from 2012-2019, earned 56 caps and played in RWCs 2015 and 2019.
He announced his decision on social media. He wrote that (translated from Spanish to English):
“An era has concluded, without doubt one of the most important of my life. After having thought a lot I have made the decision to retire from Los Pumas. It was an honor to have been a part of the history of Argentine rugby and to present my country.”
“I would like to give a special mention to my club, Los Tilos, to my family and to my friends tat have always been close. And, fundamentally, thank the UAR for having had confidence in me, and to all of the staff and players.”
His retirement is from test rugby, not from rugby altogether. Indeed, ARN understands that he is in talks with foreign teams, specifically with North America. Major League Rugby (MLR) teams from both Canada and the USA are interested in the fullback.
Before Los Jaguares, Tuculet played professional rugby in Europe. he did so in the Pro 14 for the Cardiff Blues; the English Premiership for the Sale Sharks; and the Top 14 for Grenoble and Bordeaux.
He returned to Argentina for Los Jaguares’ inaugural Super Rugby campaign in 2016. It was a homecoming for Argentina’s starting fullback from RWC 2015. From 2008-2010 he played for Argentina u19’s, u 20’s and Sevens. He joined the Pampas XV and then made his test debut for Argentina in 2012.
Tuculet won 56 caps for Argentina from 2012-2019. He was in winning efforts against Australia, Chile, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Tonga, the USA, and Wales. He featured in RWCs 2015 and 2019, appearing in six matches and scoring four tries. He was last capped in Argentina’s most recent test match; against the USA in Kumagaya, Japan last October.
Despite defeating both Australia and South Africa, his test career highlight was arguably his score against Ireland in Cardiff, Wales in RWC 2015. Two years later, in June 2017, he scored the official Try of the Year against England in Santa Fé.
