British and Irish Lions slaying Los Pumas legend hangs up his Test boots making candid admission
British and Irish Lions slaying Los Pumas legend hangs up his Test boots making candid admission
Santiago Cordero and Francisco Gómez Kodela have played their final games for Argentina after a combined 29 years of international service.
The Los Pumas stars announced just last week that they would be calling time on their international careers after facing Uruguay on Saturday.
The duo’s final appearance would result in a 52-17 victory over Uruguay, with Cordero even getting on the scoresheet.
Both players will be fondly remembered by fans. Kodela for his sheer longevity and commitment to the game, while Cordero will be looked back on for his ability to light up a match with expert footwork and an innate try-scoring ability.
Santiago Cordero
Speaking about his international retirement, Cordero recently released a statement, saying: “After many incredible years with Los Pumas, the time has come to close this era. I decided to take a step away from the test team. The distance from my wife and children has become increasingly more difficult, and today they are my priority.
“From my heart I say thank you to my teammates, trainers, staff and everyone who has always encouraged me. And with some special gratitude to my parents and my friends, who have stuck with me throughout every step of the journey. I leave with a heart full of joy and gratitude.”
The 31-year-old quite memorably scored the winning try against the British and Irish Lions in Dublin, prior to the touring squad leaving for Australia in June.
It’s worth noting, however, that the retirement is only from international duties, not club. He is currently under no contract with any club side, having left Connacht at the end of the 2024/25 season. But has announced no plans to leave the professional circuit.
In the past, Cordero has played in Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland and France, so he will be more than comfortable wherever he ends up.
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Francisco Gómez Kodela
It’s also a noticeable international retirement for 40-year-old Kodela, who will no longer be rendering his services for the first time since 2008.
The Stade Francais prop has made many memories in the light blue and white shirt over the years, namely being a key part of the side that beat the All Blacks for the first time in 2020.
Kodela has spent much of his club career in France, but appears more often than not as a replacement nowadays. Despite his advancing years, he has not committed to club-level retirement.
Fan reaction
Supporters have been keen to express their gratitude online. One fan said on X: “How is Cordero only 31?? That’s insane, feels like he’s been around for years and years. Unbelievable player. 55 caps doesn’t seem enough.”
Planet Rugby features editor, Jared Wright, also shared a tribute to the flying winger, saying: “A Pumas pocket rocket. Will miss him in the blue and white hoops.”
Others added: “He scored some amazing tries. Feel like international rugby missed out on his best years”, and “The memories of him just absolutely tearing shit up in the 2015 world cup will always remain with me.”
Los Pumas will miss these legends of the game.