Mathieu Warnier, Media365, published on Sunday October 6, 2024 at 5:55 p.m.
Benjamin Urdapilleta announced this Sunday his intention to end his professional career at the end of the season in order to return to Argentina.
Benjamin Urdapilleta has made his decision. At 38 years old, the Argentinian international fly half (20 caps) will turn the page on rugby in a few months. After agreeing to wear the colors of Clermont for an additional season by activating an option in his contract, the native of Buenos Aires confirmed in comments collected by the local daily The Mountain that his career will come to an end next June. “Did I announce that I was playing my last season? For my wife, in any case, it’s a certainty, he confided at first in a joking tone before becoming serious again. If she was the one who decided, we would have returned to Argentina four years ago. More seriously, it’s also thanks to her that I still play. But yes, for me too, I’m definitely going to stop. » After spending fifteen years in Europe, first at Harlequins then at Oyonnax, Castres and finally Clermont, Benjamin Urdapilleta will leave professional rugby behind to return to his native land.
Urdapilleta does not refrain from playing as an amateur
“Next year, I’m going to return to Argentina with my family and settle down a bit,” added the Clermont fly-half. I may play as an amateur from time to time, but the priority will be the children, so that they can get their bearings in our new life, in Buenos Aires. They already speak Spanish, but it’s a little different there, they’ll have to get used to it and they’ll need me to be there. » At 39, the Argentinian international will put an end to a career which saw him shine mainly at club level. Indeed, after winning the Challenge Cup in 2011 then the Premiership in 2012 with Harlequins, Benjamin Urdapilleta won the title of French Pro D2 champion with Oyonnax in 2013 before his consecration under the Castres colors. Indeed, the native of Buenos Aires will have been one of the strong links in the Castres team crowned champion of France in 2018 at the expense of Montpellier then finalist of the Top 14 in 2022 against this same Hérault team. An adventure in France that he will no doubt want to end on a good note with the Jaunards.
