 He did play six matches (one goal) for the unofficial Basque selection, and also featured for the equivalent Navarrese team.Gurpegui had already retired from club football when he appeared in his last friendly for the Basque Country on 27 May 2016, a draw and win on penalties over Corsica.On retiring from playing, Gurpegui was appointed to a coaching role at Athletic Bilbao working under Ernesto Valverde.