Give up rugby and return with a triathlon
“Today I have to take a step back from the sport that I like to do the most since I can remember. Although it is difficult for me, I try to think about the incredible moments I had and not about what would have happened. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to give me love during this time.” This is how sad he was sincere in June 2025 Joaquín de la Vega Mendía (4/30/1999 – Argentina) on social networks and caused a cascade of solidarity with the news that left Argentine rugby in ‘shock’. One of the talents called to be part of the XV of the Cougars he was withdrawing
At that time, the chronicles that came from the South American country added the tag ‘momentarily’ but the truth is that Joaquin He had no longer taken to the field of play since on February 14, 2025 he had to leave due to a blow to the head in the match against Soyaux Angouleme. And it was the third time he had to retire.
Every rugby player’s dream
De la Vega had reached France to put on his shirt Colomiers of the ProD2 (second division) in the 2024-2025 season. Little by little his game had matured and he was prepared for the final assault at the zenith of his career. Playing as a ’10’ (or opener, he is the one who receives the ball from the 9 and decides the strategy depending on who he directs the ball to) he was playing in the best country to progress and get a place in the national team. XV of the Cougars.
Joaquin had already worn the horizontal striped albiceleste of the Pumitas (sub20) and also that of the XV of the Jaguars (selection B of Argentina). His sights were set on the next World Cup in 2027. Australia but head concussion protocols have become stricter in recent years and rightly so as some players can spend 80 minutes saying it doesn’t hurt at all and have taken it everywhere.
With the Colomiers He played 14 games but a series of blows to the head during matches that same season put both the player and his team on alert and the medical services decided to temporarily withdraw him from active practice while tests were carried out. He had suffered three blows to the head in different matches and the protocol of the LNR (Ligue Nationale de Rugby) establishes that he must be disqualified to continue.
The idea was for him to rest and recover for an eventual return months later, but De la Vega was forced to give up the sport he loved and which saw him leave Hinduclub Buenos Aires Rugby Union in which he played between 2017 and 2021, then went to USA to try on atlanta in 2022 and with the Pampas the 2023-2024 season. Precisely with the Pampas disputed the Super Rugby Americas, first-level tournament, where he was named best player in 2024 and top scorer in 2023 and 2024.
The joy of returning
It took a year for De la Vega I would smile again competing. Away from rugby practice and watching the Cougars on television, he decided not to give up anything. And he started training for the 70.3 of San Juanthe prestigious triathlon race held in the Argentine province of Saint John.
It is a variant of Ironman with a total of 113 km through the Andes mountain range, of which 1.9 km of swimming in the dam Black Tip90 km. of cycling and 21.1 of running at 33º C.
Supported by his unconditional friends, among them Marquitos, Joaquin He trained hard the three months before the test and was able to win the ‘Finisher’ medal. He may have parked the oval but the competitive spirit and facing adversity no matter how many times they come, have made him an example of improvement in sport.
