Juan Martin Hernandez forced to retire on medical grounds

Argentina international Juan Martin Hernandez has brought an end close to a 19-year career after he was forced to retire on medical grounds.

The Jaguares playmaker sustained a knee injury during the Super Rugby game against Queensland Reds at the start of the second half and has failed to recover from it. In an interview with French media Midi Olympique, the 35-year-old confirmed his retirement.

“The cruciate ligaments aren’t affected but it’s very painful and the demands of Super Rugby don’t allow me to play in this competition diminished," he said. "So I’ve decided to stop playing rugby. There you go, it’s finished. I didn’t want to have any regrets, I think I wanted the end to come on a rugby field."

His stint with Argentina U19 side began in 1999 and he was also part of the Argentina 21 side, Pumas Sevens and Argentina A and success at the domestic level saw him make it to the Test side in 2003 and he ended up with 74 Test appearances in a span of 14 years.

Known with the nickname of 'El Mago' which means magician, he was nominated among the five players, who competed for the 2007 International Player of the Year award. He also enjoyed stints with Stade Français, Currie Cup side Sharks, Racing Métro and Toulon between 2003 and 2015. Following the appearance in his fourth World Cup in 2015, he joined Jaguares on the final stage of his career.