Santiago Dellape declares unexpected retirement from Test Rugby
Italy’s 2011 Rugby World Cup preparations suffered a major blow as their star lock, Santiago Dellape, has announced retirement from international rugby on Tuesday, May 17.
The 33-year-old said he is retiring from international events because he reckons that he is not up to the challenge any more.
Italy is yet to announce their World Cup squad and Dellape, with his experience and skills, was a favourite for many to be included in the 2011 Rugby World Cup team. However, his retirement from the national side has drawn the
curtains on his aspirations of making an appearance in his third consecutive World Cup.
The La Plata born lock joined the Italian rugby club L'Aquila in 2001. The same year he switched to Treviso and remained with them until the 2004. At the end of the 2004, Dellape moved to France to play in Top 14. Since 2004,
Italian international lock has played for Agen, Biarritz, Toulon and Racing Metro.
Dellape signed a two-year contract with Agen in 2004 and at the end of 2005/06 season he signed a two-year contract with Biarritz.
At maturation of the contract at Biarritz in 2008, Dellape played for a short duration with Toulon. In 2009, he joined Racing Metro and has so far played 64 appearances for the French Top 14 side. The Italian Dellape also played a pivotal role for England
in the recently concluded 2011 RBS Six Nations tournament.
Dellape on Tuesday confirmed that he is retiring from the international rugby, however; he will continue to play for Racing Metro. He further added that he has pondered over the decision for past few months before he made a decision.
Dellape made his international debut against France at Stade Francais in February, 2002. He has made 64 appearances for Italian colours in international games.
Commenting about the reasons that led him to announce his retirement, Delilape said, “I have already played in World Cups, I know what that involves physically, psychologically and mentally and today I do not feel ready to assume those challenges for different
reasons. The best thing therefore is not to go to it."
Dellape has represented Italy in the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups, were he has played six World Cup games out of which Italy won three and lost three.
Speaking about his post retirement engagements, Dellape said, “Now that I will no longer be playing international rugby, I will be able to give everything for my club and help it achieve its ambitions in the next two seasons.”
Racing Metro will take on the Montpellier in the play-off semi-finals of French Top 14 in Marseille during the weekend.
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