Benjamin Urdapilleta comes out of retirement aged 39 with Top 14 deal

Former Argentina international Benjamin Urdapilleta has come out of retirement aged 39 to join Top 14 strugglers Perpignan.

The fly-half brought his career to an end at the end of last season following two seasons with ASM Clermont Auvergne. His time away from the game has lasted just a matter of months.

Perpignan currently sit at the foot of the Top 14 table, but have seen a coaching overhaul in recent weeks, with Laurent Labit taking charge of the Catalonian outfit.

It was Labit who announced the Top 14 veteran’s arrival this week, as reported by French outlet Midi Olympique. Perpignan will become the 18-cap Argentine’s fourth French club of his career, following spells at Oyonnax, Castres and Clermont.

Urdapilleta’s arrival has coincided with the exit of Samoa international Seilala Lam following eight years at the club, making 161 appearances.

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“We have a player who will arrive at the end of the week, this weekend, and who will be training with us on Monday,” Labit said.

“He knows the Top 14 very well, he’s very seasoned and truly experienced. A strong character player, a very good kicker, with a lot of grit.

“He’s Argentinian, having played for Oyonnax and Clermont. Benjamín Urdapillet will start on Monday; he’s also a player who thrives on challenges. He finished his league season 15 days ago in Argentina, and he still follows our competition closely. He’s ready, and I think it’s a great place for him; people will appreciate him, and he’ll help us a lot with our mission.”