This is a quick clip of a nice tackle from veteran Argentinian hooker, Mario Ledesma, while playing for Clermont against Perpignan in the Top 14 recently. The tackle itself was a good one, but the fact that Ledesma is 37 years old made it all the more impressive.
While I know that some of you prefer full match highlights, short clips of moments like this are what Rugbydump was built on so when they become available, it’s worth sharing, especially when the player in question punches above his weight.
In this case however, you could probably say he’s punching above his age, as Ledesma, born way back in 1973, is one of the elder statesman of professional rugby. There’s not too many around who are still playing rugby at the highest level close to 40 years old. Can you name some?
Off the top of my head, Brad Thorne and Simon Shaw would be two of the oldest top tier Test players, then in the Top 14 Sireli Bobo for Racing Metro would be one of the oldest wings, but he’s only 34. Fellow Fijian Norman Ligairi is also 34, and still looking as pacey as ever.
The match itself was a controversial affair, with a few other incidents taking place that avoided sanction. They’ll probably be featured on here over the next few days.
Ledesma, often known for his fiery temperament and competitive nature, timed this tackle perfectly as he shot out the line and smashed Joffrey Michel with a textbook hit.
Not bad for an old timer.
Time: 01:04
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