Super Rugby
Fernández Lobbe turns down Argentina franchise
ESPN Staff
December 15, 2014
Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe is reported to have rejected the Argentinian Super Rugby franchise © Getty Images
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Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe is said to have turned down the opportunity to join the Argentinian Super Rugby franchise in 2016 in favour of extending his stay in France.

According to Midi Olympique, Fernández Lobbe will not be part of the Argentinian franchise when it makes its Super Rugby debut in 2016. A Japanese franchise and a sixth South African team will also join Super Rugby at the same time.

Last month, Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade said players who played outside of Argentina would not be considered for international selection when the franchise starts in 2016. Many leading Pumas players are currently based in Europe but are expected to sign on with the franchise due to the lure of international rugby.

Fernández Lobbe, who has made 61 appearances for Argentina over the course of a decade, is said to be considering international retirement after next year's World Cup and is planning to remain with double European Champions Toulon, for whom he has played since 2009.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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