History made in Top 14 as longstanding record falls to Pumas fly-half

Twice retired 40-year-old Pumas fly-half Benjamín Urdapilleta made Top 14 history on Saturday after nailing his second of three kicks in USA Perpignan’s match against Racing 92.

Heading into the match, the former Pumas international had recorded 2,611 points in the Top 14, just a couple behind Romain Teulet in the professional era. The fly-half then matched Teulet’s record after converting Braydon Ennor’s try, then added two more successful penalty kicks, setting the new record at 2,619.

Despite USA Perpignan’s 55-25 loss to Racing 92, it was a memorable day for the club, fans and players as he enshrined his name in French club history.

After starting his senior career for Argentinian side CUBA, the fly-half moved first to England in 2010 to represent Harlequins before finally establishing himself in France two years later.

He first played for US Oyonnax, helping the team win Pro D2 and scoring over 700 points for the club, then signed with Castres in 2015 and remained there until 2023.

It was with Castres that he enjoyed his greatest success, helping the historic southern French club win the Top 14 title in 2018 and end a five-year drought. Facing Montpellier in the final, Urdapilleta enjoyed a Player of the Match evening, claiming 19 points from the tee and setting Julien Dumora for the fullback’s try.

The 2020/2021 season proved to be his most successful campaign, as he amassed 321 points for Castres despite the club failing to reach the Top 14 playoffs.

He left for Clermont in 2023 and spent two seasons with the club before signing for the Catalan side USA Perpignan in 2025, where he has been instrumental in the team’s fight against relegation.

However, this is not the only Top 14 record Urdapilleta holds, as he has also scored the most points in a single match against Montpellier on February 13, 2021, landing 33 points in that Top 14 fixture.