Ayerza ’emotional’ after special day

Editor

Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza revealed he "couldn't speak" after his testimonial match at Welford Road on Saturday.

Ayerza played the first half for Argentina as they continue their preparations for the Rugby World Cup before coming back on in the final ten minutes for Leicester during the friendly between the two sides.

Argentina ran out 55-34 winners before Ayerza was congratulated in a post-match presentation for reaching over 200 games for the Tigers since joining them back in 2006 from Argentinian club side Newman.

"It was very emotional," Ayerza told the Leicester Mercury.

"It was good to have my local team from Argentina here as well. To receive the warmth from the people was very special and I am glad everything went well.

"I did not expect to be emotional but to see how everyone was talking highly of me and recognising so many years at Tigers.

"To see my first club in the corner with Argentina and club flags, and to see Tigers playing Argentina at Welford Road. It was pretty emotional to me. The words could not come out. I couldn't speak.

"It was a good, expansive game of rugby. Both teams played well and the crowd loved it. It was a good contest, which is what I wanted it to be."