Santiago Garcia Botta Confirms Retirement

Harlequins prop Santiago Garcia Botta has today announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.

The Argentinian international, who has amassed 62 Quins appearances and 34 Test caps, will call time on his ten-year career to embark on a new chapter as a strength and conditioning coach.

Garcia Botta joined the Club in 2019/20, becoming a regular in the front-row and helping Quins clinch the Gallagher Premiership title in 2021, featuring off the bench in the famous 38-40 win over Exeter Chiefs.

Prior to his move to Quins, Garcia Botta played over 40 Super Rugby matches for the Jaguares, helping the Argentinian club reach the final against the Crusaders in 2019. He also enjoyed a stint with Stade Francais in the Top 14 and represented Argentina in the Rugby Championship and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking ahead of his retirement, Garcia Botta said: “After much thought and reflection with my family, I have made the decision to retire from professional rugby. I believe it's the right time to do so, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me, in particular my family and friends.

“To the fans of Harlequins, thank you for your support from day one. You made me feel at home and it was a great honour to represent a club like this. To my teammates, thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the shared moments.

“I’m now looking forward to embarking on a new stage in my life back home in Argentina, for which I've been preparing for several years by training as a strength and conditioning coach.”

Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: “Santi has been a much-loved member of our squad for the past five years. He’s worked incredibly hard for his opportunities and has been an excellent professional throughout his time at Quins. We’re sad to see Santi retire but we wish him and his family the very best with their move home to Argentina.”