Martín Sigren celebrates his signing at a historic club in the English second division: “It’s a dream to be in a new project, to try something different, to step out of the comfort zone”

Martín Sigren has already been in England for several days. He left Chile in silence and embarked on the British island with a secret confirmed today with great fanfare: he is leaving Selknam to sign with the Doncaster Knights of the English second division. A team with a history, more than 100 years old and which last season was one step away from achieving promotion to the highest category. A new project that excites him, but which above all demonstrates the exposure and the moment that Chilean rugby is experiencing.

“The exposure I have in Cóndores and the performance as a team were the keys for me to be considered. To enter this league you must be an international player, you must have played at least three official matches for your country in the last two years. And obviously, having beaten Canada and the United States cements us as quality players. Not all groups succeed. Maybe today I’m here as the first, to show that in Chile there are players who can participate in these international leagues Sigren told El Deportivo from Doncaster, a town of 300,000 in the county of South Yorkshire, 80 kilometers east of Manchester.

His club, the Doncaster Knights, was founded in 1875 and throughout its existence it has grown by leaps and bounds. From being a small local team, they are today one of the most important clubs in the English second division, being a constant cheerleader for eventual promotions. In fact, last season they won 17 of 20 league games, just three points away and it was only on the latest date that they learned they couldn’t move up.

The team also has one of the most modern complexes in the region, situating its stadium in a nine-hectare park located five kilometers from the city center. The hall has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.

“They want to consolidate in the top positions, so that this year and next year they are fighting for a promotion quota to the Premiership (First Division) “Comments Sigren, who specifies that he signed for one season, in order to be at the disposal of Chile in 2023. Of course, he also confirms that he will not participate with Selknam in SLAR, since by contract he must be in England until April next year.

On the path that led him to sign for Doncaster and the sensations of this beautiful stage, he also had words: “About a year ago, I was contacted by an English agent to offer me to work abroad. It’s a dream, being in a new project, trying something different, getting out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to it is a great opportunity to grow as a person and a player. The idea is always to keep looking for my best version, in order to be the best possible contribution for Cóndores. », Comments the captain.

One more proof of the great moment that Chilean rugby is experiencing. A qualification for the World Cup, more government support, good results in the World Cup at 7, are chapters which today join a national team playing in the English second division. A historic tournament, of a high level and with a great history. In which now Sigren will seek to leave her mark.