Garcia calls time on her career
By Harry Scott-Munro
24/5/22
After a career spanning 14 years and five countries, Spanish icon Patricia Garcia has announced that she will finally call time on her quite incredible career when the final whistle blows at Sixways in two weeks’ time.
Garcia arrived in Exeter at the start of the side’s debut campaign last year, immediately building a connection with the fans after driving from Spain to the Westcountry with all her possessions in her van!
Since then, she has become something of a cult figure at Sandy Park, with her leadership and experience acting as a perfect foil to the youthful energy in the Exeter backline.
Adept at playing across the backline, Garcia became just the second Chiefs women to pass 100 points for the club back in April and her work within the Exeter Chiefs Academy and the Centre of Excellence has paved the way for the next generation of Exeter Chiefs Women to make their mark at Sandy Park.
Garcia’s composure from the tee and ability with ball in hand have been a key component in her side’s run to the Allianz Premier 15s final this season, with her last-second penalty to win the game against Harlequins in January, acting as the catalyst in her side’s charge to the final.
On the international scene, Garcia has done it all. Since making her international debut in 2010, Garcia has made 284 appearances for her country in 15s and 7s, appearing in two 15s World Cups and two 7s World Cup, as well as the Rio 2016 Olympics. Simply put, Garcia is an icon of the sport in Spain and has become a cult figure wherever she has plied her trade.
Garcia has won top-flight titles in Spain and France, as well as finishing runner-up with Waikato in New Zealand. Now, she has the opportunity to go out as a league champion in England as well, as she and her Exeter Chiefs team-mates build up to their first-ever Allianz Premier 15s final.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Garcia admitted that she had achieved everything she had set out to in her career.
"It's a very thoughtful decision. I've been feeling like it was time for quite a few months. I feel like I've achieved all the sporting goals I had. I've played in the big leagues I wanted to, as well as the Olympics and the World Cup. I want to focus now on other experiences and opportunities.”
Garcia is calling time on her career at the age of 32 and, whilst she acknowledged that she could still play on if she wanted to, she would rather leave the sport on her own terms.
"I could stretch a little more, but I'd rather leave at a good time, leave it at a good level,” she smiled. “To play well on the field right now, there is a lot of effort behind it, and I am motivated to live other experiences. I feel that it is the right time to close this chapter.”
Garcia has experienced rugby in all corners of the world and took the time to thank everyone who has supported her throughout her storied career.
“I want to say thank you to all the people who have believed in me, who have supported me, because you have all helped me grow, learn, become a better athlete and a better person too. My heart is full of gratitude for these beautiful years of my life, full of experiences and people that I will never forget.”
Head Coach Susie Appleby was quick to praise the influence that Garcia has had on the Chiefs since arriving in Devon. When the Spaniard first joined, Appleby described her as ‘a wonderful player and wonderful person,’ and the Head Coach was quick to salute the impact Garcia had had on her side since arriving at the Chiefs.
“Patricia has been the ultimate professional throughout her career and has been crucial for us here at Exeter. Her experience and understanding of the game have been so important, as has the time she has taken to impart her knowledge to the rest of the squad and the younger players coming through,” Appleby highlighted. “What she has achieved throughout her career has been amazing and all of us are hoping that we will be able to deliver the perfect finale in the final against Saracens.”