Ex rugby star, 42, is 'killed in drive-by shooting' outside Paris bar

A murder investigation has been opened after a former Argentine rugby international player was this morning shot to death in Paris.

Federico Aramburu, 42, who spent much of his career in France, died after a reported drive-by shooting following a heated argument with other guests at the Mabillon Bar in the Saint-Germain district, sources told AFP.

Before the shooting Mr Aramburu was eating burgers with friends at around 6am, following a night out. 

They reportedly got into a row with another group of patrons before being separated by bouncers.

But the other group later returned in a car and fired several shots, one police source said. 

A former Biarritz Olympique player who was with Mr Aramburu, but wishes to remain anonymous, said: 'There was an altercation, as there can be at the end of the evening.

'It was settled but the men came back and fired at Mr Aramburu, who took three bullets.'

2004–2006 Biarritz Olympique

2006–2008 Perpignan

2008-2010 US Dax

2010–2011 Glasgow Warriors (41 appearances) 

2011–12 CASI (8 appearances)

A source close to the investigation added that Mr Aramburu died at the scene from his injuries, and 'several bullet marks' were found on the spot.

A murder investigation has been opened, the Paris prosecutor's office said, and the suspects were still being sought today. 

Mr Aramburu, who has since retired from rugby, was a back who won 22 Argentina caps and played in the 2007 World Cup in France, scoring a try as the Pumas beat the hosts in the third-place playoff.

He played club rugby in France for Biarritz, Perpignan and Dax from 2004 to 2010, winning the top 14 twice with Biarritz (BOPB) and later sitting on the club's board of directors.

He was born in La Planta, the capital city of Argentina's