Chile has made an extraordinary leap in rugby, sealing their second consecutive Rugby World Cup appearance for 2027 in Australia. Under President Cristian Rudloff’s leadership, the nation has built from the ground up - developing a professional high-performance program, expanding grassroots initiatives, and leveraging regional support to challenge traditional powerhouses. With over 15,000 players and four regional high performance centres, Chile's rugby story is one of resilience, ambition, and rapid growth. 

In this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Cristian Rudloff to explore how Chile’s strategic investments, government backing, and regional collaborations are transforming the sport in South America. They discuss the role of Super Rugby Americas, the country’s expanding women’s game, and what the upcoming World Cup means for Chile’s rugby future; plus the potential impact of a proposed $250 million investment across the Americas ahead of the 2031 World Cup in North America. 

• Chile’s second Rugby World Cup qualification in history 
• The rise of rugby among Chilean youth and grassroots movements 
• Challenges of geography and infrastructure in a long, narrow country 
• The strategic role of Super Rugby Americas in player development 
• The importance of government support and investment 
• Insights on the 2031 Americas strategy and regional collaboration 

PLUS: how South American rugby is challenging global hierarchies, the power of regional teamwork, and the blueprint for sustainable growth. 

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