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Chile Rugby’s entry into the new Súper Liga Americana de Rugby has been secretly training for two weeks, according to a social media post by the national union. In what is an increasingly bizarre episode, Selknam’s roster continues to be held from public viewing.
External media sources have already confirmed the names of five Argentines who will play for the side, as well as Fijian prop Vesi Rarawa and Tongan World Cup flyhalf Latiume Fosita. The latest ‘leak’ comes from former Cóndores prop Oli Thompson, now a journalist for El Faro Deportivo.
Thompson has identified 15 Chilean internationals and one age-grade cap in his newest article. Loosehead props Javier Carrasco and Iñaki Gurruchaga are included along with tighthead specialist Matías Dittus. At hooker there are Cóndores regulars Augusto Böhme and Tomás Dussaillant, as well as national u20 captain Diego Escobar.
The second row features Javier Eissmann and Mario Mayol, though there is also confirmation that former France-based professional Pablo Huete has turned down a contract with the SLAR side. Clemente Saavedra provides cover at lock or loose forward. Flankers Nicolás Garafulic and Martín Sigren join Selknam skipper Ignacio Silva in the back row.
Five capped backs are named. Incumbent test starters Beltrán Vergara and Santiago Videla boost the halfbacks. Domingo Saavedra continues his full-time transition to the midfield from scrumhalf, with Julio Blanc and Lucca Avelli joining the outside backs.
There are a number of notable Chilean players missing from the list but still as many as ten to be added. Other unconfirmed reports suggest a third Pacific Island international could be on the way. Selknam will open the SLAR season against Peñarol in Montevideo on March 4.
