Former Argentina fly-half Nicolas Sanchez has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 36.
The Pumas great has finished his career as his country’s leading point scorer and the fourth-most capped player with 104 appearances in blue and white. His final cap came in the 2023 World Cup bronze medal final loss to England in a tournament where his late interception secured a quarter-final victory over Wales.
In a diverse career, Sanchez represented four French clubs, Bordeaux-Begles, Toulon, Stade Francais and Brive, as well as a stint in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath after the 2023 World Cup.
The Argentine finished his career in his homeland, guiding Tucumán Lawn Tennis to victory over Alumni in the National Club Championship (Nacional de Clubes).
“Today I close a very important stage of my life,” Sanchez wrote on Instagram (translated by Google).
“After many years of dedication, effort and passion, I have made the decision to retire from rugby, a sport that not only shaped me as a player, but also as a person.
“Rugby gave me so much more than I could have imagined. It taught me values such as teamwork, humility, respect and resilience. But, above all, it allowed me to meet extraordinary people: friends, coaches, rivals and all those who accompanied me on this path.
“I am deeply grateful to my family, friends and everyone who was by my side in every game, in every victory and in every defeat. Your support was always very important. I also want to thank the clubs, national teams and teams that trusted me and allowed me to live this dream.
“I leave with a heart full of gratitude, taking with me indelible memories and the pride of having represented this great sport. Although I have stopped playing, rugby will always be part of my life.
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey, Nico Sanchez.”
