According to official statements from the LNR, the newly renamed accolade is designed to recognize and reward what the league describes as "the greatest victories"—those triumphs that are "not won solely on the rugby pitch." Furthermore, the league emphasized that the award serves as a vital vehicle for "keeping alive the spirit of sharing embodied by Aramburú," whose life and career were characterized by camaraderie, leadership, and a deep dedication to his communities both in Argentina and in France.
The inaugural presentation of the newly named award went to Top 14 powerhouse club Racing 92. The club was honored for its visionary project to develop an adapted rugby section specifically tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities, a program that mirrors the inclusivity and warmth that Aramburú championed throughout his lifetime.
This latest tribute from the LNR builds upon a growing wave of remembrance and recognition in the French capital. Earlier this year, the Council of Paris officially established the Aramburú Prize. This municipal honor is awarded annually to a sports club, local association, or individual athlete in direct recognition of their tireless efforts to combat racism and discrimination in sports, ensuring that Aramburú’s name remains synonymous with justice, equality, and human dignity.
Federico Aramburú’s connection to French rugby runs deep and is marked by significant athletic achievements. During his professional career, he spent six impactful years playing in France, establishing himself as a formidable talent and a respected teammate. Between 2004 and 2010, he wore the jersey of Biarritz Olympique, helping lead the storied club to two French league titles. In addition to his celebrated tenure with Biarritz, Aramburú showcased his exceptional skills while playing for USAP Perpignan and US Dax, leaving an indelible mark on each organization before concluding his European club career.
On the international stage, Aramburú was a proud and fierce competitor for the Pumas, Argentina’s esteemed men’s national rugby team. Wearing the iconic blue and white hooped jersey, he scored eight international tries and became a vital fixture for his country. His career reached a historic zenith during the 2007 Rugby World Cup hosted in France. There, Aramburú played a crucial role in the Pumas’ Cinderella run, helping the South American squad secure a sensational third-place finish and a historic bronze medal, captivating rugby fans across the globe and cementing his legacy as an Argentine sporting icon.
Aramburú’s Murder
The global rugby community was plunged into profound shock and sorrow on March 19, 2022, when Aramburú was tragically murdered outside a bar in the heart of Paris. The former athlete was walking toward his hotel alongside his friend and former teammate, Shaun Hegarty, in the early hours of the morning following a night out.
According to the judicial findings of the case, two men with whom Aramburú and Hegarty had engaged in an altercation earlier that evening—identified as Loïk Le Priol and Romain Bouvier—pulled up alongside them in a vehicle. Le Priol and Bouvier stepped out of the automobile and opened fire on the former rugby players, ending Aramburú’s life in a senseless act of violence that sent shockwaves through France, Argentina, and the wider international sports world.
The subsequent legal proceedings brought a measure of accountability, culminating in a high-profile trial at the Paris Criminal Court. On September 25, the court delivered its verdict, sentencing Le Priol and Bouvier to 26 and 19 years in prison, respectively. Le Priol was convicted of murder, while Bouvier was convicted of attempted murder, with the court determining during the trial that the defendants had not acted with premeditation.
In addition to the primary convictions, two other individuals involved in the aftermath of the crime faced judicial consequences. Lyson Rochemir and Anthony Sorrentino were each handed three-year suspended prison sentences after being found guilty of withholding evidence related to the fatal shooting.
During the emotional trial, moments of remorse emerged amidst the heavy atmosphere of grief. Le Priol addressed the court, expressing contrition and admitting that anything he could say would "never be enough and will never replace Aramburú." He further expressed his hope that the former player’s grieving family "will one day find the strength" to offer him forgiveness for the devastation he caused.
