Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has hailed Argentina utility back Juan Martin Hernandez as one of the greatest rugby players of all time.
Hernandez announced his retirement from professional rugby on Tuesday in an interview with French publication Midi Olympique.
The 35-year-old injured his knee while playing with the Jaguares in Super Rugby and decided to call time on his career after 15 years in professional rugby.
“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,” the Jaguares player told Midi Olympique.
“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.”
Tributes came in from around the rugby world with O’Gara praising Hernandez as one of the all-time greats.
One of the greatest of all time bows out.. congratulations @HERNANDEZJUANI #genius#easydoesit.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 4, 2018
Congratulations on a wonderful career Juan Martin Hernandez! 👏🇦🇷
READ 👉 https://t.co/MYaMQ8pDo4 pic.twitter.com/A7hhKuJbWw
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 4, 2018
Juan Martin Hernandez has retired from rugby.
One of Argentina’s greats. Phenomenal playmaker, who led them to third place at 2007 RWC and another semi-final appearance in 2015.
— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) April 3, 2018
Hernandez was capped 74 times by Argentina’s and helped guide the Pumas to Rugby World Cup semi-finals in both 2007 and 2015.
He said that he will take a six month break from rugby and has hinted he may pursue a coaching career.
