Three years after the tragic death of Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu, who was shot in Paris by far-right extremists, the rugby community continues to remember his legacy. A recent tribute from the Argentine Rugby Federation and heartfelt messages from former teammates highlight his enduring impact. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with one assailant facing murder charges and another charged with attempted murder, as his friend Shaun Hegarty vows to attend the trial.
Remembering Federico Martin Aramburu: A Legacy of Passion and Tragedy
Three years have passed, yet the heartbreak remains palpable. In March 2022, the Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu was tragically shot in the streets of Paris, an act committed by two far-right extremists. On the morning of March 19, 2022, Federico, aged 42, and his friend Shaun Hegarty were enjoying time at a bar on Boulevard Saint-Germain, located in the 6th arrondissement of the city. They had plans to attend the France-England Six Nations match that evening. Following a confrontation with far-right militants Loïk Le Priol and Romain Bouvier, the two men left the bar on foot, only to be pursued by their assailants who shot the former Puma (with 22 international caps) in two separate attacks, leading to his untimely death.
Loïk Le Priol, a former marine commando and a member of the now-dissolved far-right group Groupe union défense (GUD), was apprehended shortly after in Hungary, where he was preparing to travel to Ukraine. Romain Bouvier was subsequently arrested in Sarthe.
A Tribute to a Fallen Star
This past Wednesday, the rugby community came together to honor the memory of Federico Martin Aramburu. The Argentine Rugby Federation shared a poignant video on their X account titled “We miss you every day, Fede.” Many of his former teammates from Biarritz Olympique, including Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy, took to social media to express their heartfelt emotions. Just last month, former players of Biarritz Olympique traveled to Argentina to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the French championship title won alongside Federico.
Biarritz Olympique, where he played from 2004 to 2006, commemorated his impact with a heartfelt message: “Three years have passed since you left us, but you remain one of us. On our jersey, in our stadium, in our hearts: your legacy is forever etched in the soul of Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque.” Gonzalo Quesada, a fellow Argentine and current coach of Italy, also shared his sentiments in remembrance of his friend and teammate.
The Paris Court of Appeal recently confirmed that Loïk Le Priol would face murder charges, while Romain Bouvier is set to be tried for attempted murder. Additionally, Lyson R., Le Priol’s partner who was present during the incident, faces charges of complicity in attempted murder.
Shaun Hegarty expressed his commitment to the upcoming trial, stating, “I will participate in every second of this trial.” He emphasized the significance of this moment, expressing hope for a thorough and coherent legal process in light of the tragic events that unfolded.