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Marcelo Torrealba has been named the Chilean Rugby Player of the Year for 2017 by the independent Chilean Circle of Sports Journalists. The 21-year-old playmaker received the prestigious ‘Cóndor de Oro’ award in a ceremony on Tuesday evening. Rugby is one of 50 sports recognized by the organization.
Torrealba was outstanding for the Cóndores 7s team in 2017, starring in a gold-winning effort at the Juegos Bolivarianos. He also impressed on the Las Vegas and Vancouver stops of the HSBC Sevens Series, where Chile was an invitational team.
Los Cóndores won plaudits for their play at the Hong Kong Qualifier event, emerging undefeated in the Pool Stage before falling to Germany in the Semi Finals. Torrealba scored 32 points in that tournament. Most impressive on his resume for 2017, however, was playing part in the historic win over New Zealand at the Silicon Valley 7s in November.
Up until now a specialist in the shortened version of the game at senior international level, Torrealba plays on the wing for the Old Boys club who lifted the Chilean club championship in October. His sideline conversion in the first half proved a vital score in the one-point victory over rivals COBS.
