Leguizamón makes his French move
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:52
Argentinian international No.8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón has signed for Top 14 giants Stade Francais on a three-year contract, transferring from English Premiership side London Irish.
This means that he is moving in with fellow Argentineans Juan Martín Hernández, Ignacio Corleto, Rodrigo Roncero and Pedro Ledesma. Going with Leguizamón is fullback Ignacio Mieres who was at Leicester Tigers for a short while.
Speaking about the move Leguizamón, who has been on holiday in Buenos Aires, said: "I've wanted to know what it would be to be in another team. I still had one year more with London Irish and, though the truth is that I was very comfortable, I had already wanted to change scenery, to see what 'goes on in another team. I have been with London Irish for three years."
Apparently Hernández had been in touch with him to tell him that Stade Français was interested in him. The contract was completed on Tuesday of this week.
The 25-year-old - capped 26 times by the Pumas - begun his career at the Argentinian side Santiago del Estero before moving to the Exiles in London.
Leguizamón has gained 60 caps for London Irish, but without a European passport and with Richard Thorpe's emergence, his opportunities were limited last season.
The arrival of Leguizamon, who was part of the Pumas side that reached the 2007 World Cup semifinals, will fill the gap left by French international flank Remy Martin who is headed for Bayonne.
AFP
