The Condors’ plan to face the months leading up to the series with the United States

The victory over Canada to qualify against the United States for the 2023 World Cup in France opened up an unprecedented opportunity for the Condors to realize the unprecedented dream of being in a planetary event. However, it also presents them with the great challenge of remaining competitive for the nine months who remain to face a team made up of professional players who have constant competition.

the the head coach of the national group, Pablo Lemoine, highlights the foundations of what he projects. “We have four pillars in training, which are setting up the players, setting up the competition strategy, physical preparation and technical preparation” start by pointing.

In this sense, Selknam’s participation in the American Rugby Super League appears fundamental. Indeed, within the framework of this strategic pillar, steps are already underway to obtain the arrangement. “Unofficially, SLAR will be played from March 5 to June 19, and 90% of the selected players will play in the team, plus three or four players who we will integrate into key positions, so that our players have rest. and so that they can do their preparation work off the pitch, because if they played every weekend it would be very difficult to do that,” he explains.

On the other hand, there is a collective commitment for the next nine months, which is essential for Lemoine. “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”, maintains the Uruguayan DT, who details that “the group which will play against the United States will leave the Americas Pacific Challenge, where the M23 team evolves; of the November tour; and also players that we recovered from long-term injuries, like Urroz, Silva and Gurruchaga”.

The next matches of the Condors will be against Russia, November 20 and 26 in Sochi although the Federation is working on specifying another duel in this window. “We are coordinating a third party, but it will also depend on health restrictions” explains Sebastián Pizarro, director of the National Rugby Sports Federation. While in APC U23, the rivals will be Uruguay, Paraguay and the United States, between October 22 and 30.

In addition to these important preparatory meetings, there will also be physical preparation sessions. “Our international adviser Craig White will come, with whom we will have field work ; from there, there will be 18 days off for the holidays and then the pre-season for the SLAR, where we will play in both venues: Santiago and Montevideo”, anticipates Lemoine.

In recent years, the professionalization of the Chilean rugby process has been noted and is bearing fruit with the great performance of the Cóndores. “During these more than two years, the staff has professionalized with first-class people. 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 the technical staff and the dedication that the players put into it prevailed which was especially reflected in the matches against Canada”, comments Sebastián Pizarro, who illustrates it thus: “Before, Chile had good players and could plant a good XV, but now not only can they plant a good XV, but there is a very good team.

One of the challenges for Chile Rugby is to progress institutionally. “A certain organization is needed to consolidate this exponential growth. The idea is to expand in the administrative areas and continue to progress in the regional centers of Concepción, Viña and Antofagasta. We not only need the support of the state, which has helped us, but also of the private sector,” says the leader and former player of the national team.