“Rito” Irañeta was a rugby player who He stood out as a pillar in Mendoza RC With a large build and great technique, these attributes and his performance in the sport in his province allowed him to be called up for the first time to play with The Pumas in 1974under the technical duo composed of Carlos “Veco” Villegas and Emilio Perasso, becoming the first Mendoza native to play for the rugby team.
Who was Luis “Rito” Irañeta
In 1976, he was part of a remembered Los Pumas tour of Waleswhere the team had three wins and three losses. One of the most memorable matches was against the Welsh team at the Arms Park stadium in Cardiff, where the locals won by a tight 20-19.
On that tour, Irañeta was highlighted for his defensive performance along with other teammates such as White Plate, who fired him this Sunday on social networks, where he published: “A great player and better person died. I had to debut with him against Wales. I have the best memories of him. I have no way to convey my condolences to his children. I hug the sky, dear Rito.”
After his retirement from rugby, Irañeta dedicated himself to businesswhere he achieved an important role in the banking field. He even became the president of the Social Security Bank when José Octavio Bordón was governor of Mendoza at the end of the 80s.
Irañeta was also fired with a heartfelt message by the Mendoza RC, where he took his first steps in the sport. “With deep sadness, the Mendoza Rugby Club says goodbye to Rito Irañeta, Andrea Raganato and Maite Irañeta. Rito, an emblematic figure and outstanding player of our club, took his talent to the maximum representation by wearing the Los Pumas shirt in 1974leaving his mark in the history of Argentine rugby. His dedication and love for the sport later led him to train and guide new generations as a coach, transmitting the values that have always characterized him,” the club wrote.
“In addition to being a reference in rugby“Rito was an exemplary father and grandfather, leaving a legacy of love, commitment and humility that transcends sport.”expresses the message of Mendoza RC
On the social networks of Los Pumas, a farewell message was also dedicated to Irañeta, whom they remembered as the “Puma 289.”
Irañeta was not the only one in his family to wear the Argentine National Team shirt, since He was a relative of Roberto Luis, who wore the “Albiceleste” but for soccerwith which he participated in the 1934 World Cup in Italy.
Source: Ambito
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