The biggest challenge in the history of Chilean rugby: the Condors approach an unprecedented World Cup

The professionalization plan of the Chilean Rugby Federation has borne fruit in both Seven and XV. Precisely in this mode, the Cóndores are on the verge of achieving something unprecedented: qualifying for their first World Cup. From the hand of the head coach Uruguayan Pablo Lemoine, the national team are closer than ever to achieving this after their historic victory over Canada in home and away matches, which guaranteed him the ticket to face the United States in July this year ( at dates and places to be defined). ). In case of victory in this series, the national team will be part of France 2023.

“In these more than two years, the professionalization of Staff with the best. We managed to have more than 40 players in a good performance with some type of remuneration, salary or scholarship that allows them to devote themselves a little more, but above all the professionalism of Staff technician and the dedication that the players have put into this which was especially reflected in the matches against Canada”, commented Sebastián Pizarro, director of Chile Rugby, last November.

“We have set up a Staff high performance technician There are coaches for the different areas of the game and physical trainers. We integrate GPS, kinesiologists, masseurs, nutritionists, doctors, psychologists… More than 16 people provide technical support and knowledge transfer” also added Cristián Rudloff, helmsman of the entity.

The transition from amateur players with good conditions to professionals is closely linked to the existence of the American Super League (SLAR), where each country presents a franchise and faces different rivals from the subcontinent. Indeed, several of its members have different jobs. From students, teachers, doctors, to cooks and meat vendors. Everyone gave their best to make the World Cup dream come true.

In the case of Chile, Selknam is the team that brings together practically all the national teams. And, in fact, at the request of Lemoine, they will all remain in the workforce during the first half of 2022. “We don’t want anyone going away playing until July unless the offer is much higher in terms of competition. But if it’s the same level, we prefer not. The vast majority will play the SLAR,” explained the DT. Indeed, Franco Velarde and Clemente Saavedra have signed for the two leaders of the Spanish Division d’Honneur, the SilverStorm El Salvador and the UE Santboina, respectively.

The competition will start on March 5, with the debut against Olimpia Lions of Paraguay, to extend the first two stages until May 15. The semi-finals will take place on the 21st of this month and the final will be played on the 28th at the Charrúa stadium in Montevideo. To a large extent, the participation will give the base of the national team the necessary international touch for the duel against the North Americans.

In these summer months, the team will continue to prepare with an intense pre-season. Moreover, the key has been the work of the advisor Craig White, who played a fundamental role in the work on the pitch carried out by the national team.

Last November, Chile traveled to Russia, playing two friendlies, where they showed their progress, earning two wins. After the American Super League, the Federation’s idea is to take advantage of a window to play a few preparatory duels.

To successfully defeat the key against the United States, the Condors will advance to Group D of the World Cup, which includes England, Japan, Argentina and Samoa. All rivals with a long history, which reinforces the milestone of achieving a historic ranking.