Argentina international fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, who holds the record for most points scored in a Pumas shirt, has announced his retirement from the game on his Instagram account.
Between 2010-2023, Sanchez scored a record 902 points in 104 tests for the Pumas, including 97 at the 2015 World Cup where he was top points scorer.
4⃣ Rugby World Cups
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) January 23, 2025
💯 caps for Argentina
👑 @lospumas’ highest-ever points scorer
The Argentine magician Nicolás Sanchez announces his retirement 🪄 pic.twitter.com/Js4IQSsQK6
"After many years of dedication, effort and passion, I have decided to retire from rugby, a sport that has shaped me as a player and as a person," said the 36-year-old who closes his career at Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan.
Born and bred in Tucuman, Sanchez scored all the points in the historic victory over New Zealand (25-15) in November 2020, the first in Argentina's history.
His last cap came in the third-place play-off at the 2023 World Cup, which he lost to England.
"We're going to miss you, Nico," said the Pumas account on X.
¡Gracias, Nico! 🫶
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) January 23, 2025
👉 ¿Tu mejor recuerdo de Nicolás Sánchez con la camiseta de Los Pumas?#SomosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/crjScbBc8R
Sanchez played three seasons of Super Rugby with Jaguares but most of his club rugby was in France where he turned out for Bordeaux-Begles, Toulon, Stade Francais and Brive.