Dubbed the ‘magician of Argentine rugby’, Hugo Porta enjoyed a 19-year international career from 1971-90 – the third longest in the history of test rugby – and held Los Pumas’ point scoring record for over a decade.
Porta amassed 590 points in 58 tests, a tally that was eventually overtaken by Felipe Contepomi in June 2012. He captained Los Pumas 34 times, including the seminal victory over Australia in Buenos Aires in 1979.
Despite being earmarked as a scrum-half in his early years, Porta proved to be the complete fly-half with his peerless kicking game allied to his ability to unlock defences with ball in hand. His tally of 28 drop goals in tests is bettered only by Jonny Wilkinson.
Voted Argentine Sportsman of the Year in 1985, Porta played club rugby for Banco Nación RFC for 20 years until 1990, captaining the side to a famous win against England in his final season.
Everybody wrote about Hugo's ability as a kicker, but I have been following him for about 20 years since he has been playing for our club and in this time he has not dropped a ball more than three times. He had extraordinary hands. - Lino Perez
He was unique as a player, very skilful, intelligent and a very good leader. He had great hands and an extraordinary vision. My all-time favourite as a player. -Angel Guastella