Planet Rugby Forum

Martin Castrogiovanni has announced his retirement from professional rugby union at the age of 35.

One of the most recognisable players in world rugby, the prop was born in Argentina but went on to earn 119 caps for Italy - a tally surpassed only by Sergio Parisse.

In addition to establishing himself as a key figure in Italy's team for more than a decade, Castrogiovanni enjoyed success at club level - winning national titles in Italy, England and France with Calvisano, Leicester Tigers and Toulon respectively.

He also helped Toulon to two European crowns, before spending a season with Racing 92 that was marred by a suspension in April. Castrogiovanni was pictured partying with Paris Saint-Germain players in Las Vegas, after he had told his club he would be attending to a family matter in Argentina.

In a statement confirming the end of his career, Castrogiovanni said: "I want to thank the Italian Rugby Federation, and above all the Italian rugby fans and fans of the national team for the extraordinary affection they have always shown me.

"I always tried to be myself, for better or for worse, and I hope that the Italian audience understood and appreciated it."

Chuckles1188 wrote:https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/italy- ... 46163.html

Martin Castrogiovanni has announced his retirement from professional rugby union at the age of 35.

One of the most recognisable players in world rugby, the prop was born in Argentina but went on to earn 119 caps for Italy - a tally surpassed only by Sergio Parisse.

In addition to establishing himself as a key figure in Italy's team for more than a decade, Castrogiovanni enjoyed success at club level - winning national titles in Italy, England and France with Calvisano, Leicester Tigers and Toulon respectively.

He also helped Toulon to two European crowns, before spending a season with Racing 92 that was marred by a suspension in April. Castrogiovanni was pictured partying with Paris Saint-Germain players in Las Vegas, after he had told his club he would be attending to a family matter in Argentina.

In a statement confirming the end of his career, Castrogiovanni said: "I want to thank the Italian Rugby Federation, and above all the Italian rugby fans and fans of the national team for the extraordinary affection they have always shown me.

"I always tried to be myself, for better or for worse, and I hope that the Italian audience understood and appreciated it."

jolindien wrote:Why in the middle of the season ?

JM2K6 wrote:If it makes you feel any better, he was talking about Richard Cockerill

Demilich wrote:

JM2K6 wrote:If it makes you feel any better, he was talking about Richard Cockerill

Wasn't he the bloke who faced off to the Haka? I take it he must have done some less endearing things after that little piece of quality entertainment.

JM2K6 wrote:

Demilich wrote:

JM2K6 wrote:If it makes you feel any better, he was talking about Richard Cockerill

Wasn't he the bloke who faced off to the Haka? I take it he must have done some less endearing things after that little piece of quality entertainment.

Ended up director of rugby at Leicester, so yeah.

Demilich wrote:

JM2K6 wrote:

Demilich wrote:

JM2K6 wrote:If it makes you feel any better, he was talking about Richard Cockerill

Wasn't he the bloke who faced off to the Haka? I take it he must have done some less endearing things after that little piece of quality entertainment.

Ended up director of rugby at Leicester, so yeah.

I don't know a lot about Leicester to be fair, but what I do know is that it was one of those annoying, shitty squares on a Monopoly board, which always underperformed if you owned them, and overperformed if you didn't. So I guess that is reason enough to dislike him.