Easter Island Seeks Greater Presence in Chile

Easter Island seeks greater presence in Chile, reports Rugbiers. Leading rugby players from the island known by the locals as Rapa Nui are set to compete in an event on mainland Chile this coming weekend in the Copa I. Municipalidad de San Carlos, a Rugby Sevens tournament.

Rugby arrived on Easter Island in 2002 and has slowly grown to become an important sport. As is the case in other Pacific Islands the natives have proven to be well adept to becoming quality rugby players.

Rugbiers reports that today Easter Island has it’s own ‘test team’, Matamu’A RC and that local schools have included rugby in their schooling. Featured players are entitled to the possibility of applying for grants or exchanges in Chilean educational establishments on the mainland.

Currently Easter Island is home to three teams and Carlos Morandé, journalist and former national coach, hopes that the number will reach ten within three years. Morandé has plans for an Easter Island league and, over time, to have organized tours to mainland Chile and to Polynesia.

“With dedication and training we can be an important team in Rugby Sevens within Chilean rugby. The foundations are in place.  The physical factor that many from the island have is a characteristic that we need to make the most of. They are tremendously big and skilled and possess superior motor skills to those from the mainland. The only thing lacking is competition and to be tested against more traditional teams“, said Morandé.

From April 08-10, the Easter Island team is to visit San Carlos in Ñuble province. The city is the home town of Morandé and is one in which rugby attracts great interest among the local population.

Joining Matamu’A RC on Friday April 09 will be Tornados Rugby Club (San Carlos), Canguros and Palkún (Chillán), and Zorros (Coelemu).

Upon return to Easter Island, the players will turn their attention to additional upcoming tournaments. In the final week of June Easter Island will play in an international Rugby Sevens competition in World Rugby member, Tahiti. In September Easter Island will be playing again on mainland Chile.