Chile Prepares for 2027 Rugby World Cup with Realistic Goals and Calls for Greater Support
Chile has been drawn in a group with Australia and New Zealand for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while Hong Kong is viewed as the likely challenger for qualification from the group under a revised format. The 2027 tournament will expand pools to four teams, with four third-placed sides advancing to the last 16, enhancing opportunities for tier-2 nations like Chile.
Head coach Pablo Lemoine expressed optimism that Chile could secure its first World Cup win, targeting Hong Kong as a key match for qualification. He acknowledged the challenge of facing rugby giants Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing a goal of delivering a credible performance and maintaining belief within the team.
Lemoine criticized World Rugby's current funding for Chile as insufficient and called for more support to meet the demands of World Cup preparation. He further highlighted the necessity for broader development programs and the social and political impact of rugby, noting concerns about the sport's state in traditional powerhouses alongside potential growth opportunities in China, India, and Pakistan.
Mark Cross, Lemoine's predecessor, praised him for bringing a high-performance, professional approach that transformed the rugby landscape in Chile. Lemoine himself has a notable background as the first Uruguayan to play professionally in Europe for clubs including Bristol and Stade Français, and he has led Chile to consecutive World Cup appearances since their debut in 2023.
