Warriors veteran to go out on a high
Federico Martin Aramburu has vowed to bring down the curtain on his career with Pro12 success at Glasgow Warriors, after announcing that he is to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has been a real fans favourite during his two years in the black and blue, endearing himself with an ultra-committed blend of aggressive defence and opportunistic attacking play either on the wing or in the centre.
A 22-times capped international with Argentina who has excelled at the top of the club game in the French Top 14 as well as the Heineken Cup, Aramburu is determined to help the Warriors into the Pro12 play-offs and beyond as his parting gift.
Sean Lineen's team host Connacht on Saturday in their final regular season fixture. A draw would mathematically ensure their place in the semifinals, but the Warriors have their sights set on securing the win that could see them climb into third place come the final whistle.
Aramburu is one of nine departing players who will be experiencing a Glasgow home game for the last time, in what is the club’s final match at Firhill in advance of the summer move to Scotstoun Stadium.
He said: "I've loved every minute of my time at Glasgow Warriors, and I'm desperate to help the club end the season in the best possible way as a thank-you for everything they've given me over the past two years.
"My family and I have been extremely happy in Glasgow, and as a player, I've never known a team with such fantastic spirit and togetherness. Those qualities have been a major part in us doing well so far this season, and we now have the chance to achieve something special over the next few weeks.
"It was always my intention to retire at the end of the season. It's the right time for me and my family. I am determined, though, to play and win three more matches before I call it a day," he added.
When Aramburu does take his leave, he will return to the city of Biarritz, where he enjoyed a spell as a player prior to joining the Warriors.
Earlier this season, Aramburu scored a terrific match-winning try in the home Heineken Cup win over Montpellier, almost a year to the day since another vital European counter against Toulouse.
In all, he has contributed four tries in 40 appearances while establishing himself as one of the most popular members of the squad with both his fellow players and supporters.
Lineen hailed his influence, commenting: "Federico Aramburu has been a tremendous asset for Glasgow Warriors both on and off the pitch.
"He's been both a key player and a leader just about every time he's taken the field for us; his consistency of performance is first class and as a coach it's great to be sure of what you’re going to get.
"Fede's body is telling him it’s the right time to go and he's got other things he wants to get involved in outside of rugby, but as a team we'll be doing everything in our power to put off his retirement as long as we possibly can over the next few weeks," he added.
As well as his achievements with the Warriors, Aramburu has seen service at Dax, Perpignan and Biarritz. He was a star of Argentina’s memorable World Cup campaign in 2007, scoring against Georgia and France.