Two Chileans Sign Contracts with European Clubs

Two Chileans have completed deals to play for European clubs. The players are both notable names as they were members of Chile’s inaugural Rugby World Cup in 2023. Both remain on the radar for Los Cóndores and are in the frame for Australia 2027.

Winger Franco Velarde will continue his career in Spain. He joins Ordizia Rugby Elkartea for the 2026 campaign and will therefore not play Super Rugby Americas (SRA) for Selknam. Velarde is a product of Viña Rugby club. He previously played in Spain for Castilla y León Iberians before joining Selknam. The 31-year-old has 18 caps for his country.

Utility forward Raimundo Martínez is continuing his career in Europe. The flanker / hooker has been recruited by Bourgoin for the remainder of the ongoing 2025-2026 season. The move marks a return to France; he previously played for Brive in (2019 – 2020). Martínez joins Bourgoin at the age of 26. The product of the Prince of Wales club in Santiago completes the move to Bougainville with 29 test caps to his name.