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Chile’s planning for the Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers has hit a major road block. First-choice outside center Domingo Saavedra is out of Super Rugby Americas through injury. The Selknam captain was injured in the third round win over Los Dogos.
Domingo Saavedra suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. It is a season ending injury; such an injury typically involves a recovery time of eight to nine months. This leaves Selknam without their captain and, more importantly, leaves Chile without a starting player for their home-and-away Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Brazil in July.
The center now joins his twin brother, Clemente Saavedra, on the sidelines. Clemente Saavedra was injured playing for Chile against Scotland A in November. He is expected to return in time to be fit and ready for selection for international duty in July.
The loss of Domingo Saavedra sees national captain, Martín Sigren taking over as skipper of Selknam. Sigren leads Selknam against Peñarol on Friday in Montevideo. Nicolás Saab moves from wing to outside center in place of Domingo Saavedra. Saab was an excellent rookie in Super Rugby Americas 2024. He received regular game time at inside center in place of Matías Garafulic who suffered a season-ending injury. Garafulic and Saab start together as the Selknam midfield against Peñarol.
