Chilean utility again Santiago Videla can be a member of the Chicago Hounds pack for the subsequent season, as he’s near penning a contract with the Illinois membership. After serving to Chile qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Videla was on the lookout for his subsequent step as a professional participant, having been one of many gamers affected by the Miami Sharks’ withdrawal from Main League Rugby, and had attracted curiosity from the Gallagher PREM.
The 27-year-old spent the final two years of his profession on the Florida membership, amassing 102 factors over 23 video games, and was valued as one of many largest threats from the tee within the MLR.
Videla’s first steps as a senior participant have been taken whereas enjoying for Santiago’s Previous Grangonian Membership, earlier than becoming a member of the Chilean Tremendous Rugby Americas franchise Selknam in 2020.
He gained his first cap for Chile in 2017, beginning as a fly-half in his facet’s 23-03 win over Kenya, and has been a first-team common since then.
After years of restructuring beneath Pablo Lemoine, Chile have been lastly in a position to mount a profitable World Cup qualification problem in 2022. Regardless of dropping towards Uruguay within the Sudamerica playoff, the Cóndores went on to qualify for France 2023 after claiming a sensational combination win towards america of America.
At the time, Videla, who had already scored a try and four conversions, landed the final three points that qualified Chile for their first World Cup at the Eagles’ expense. At the World Cup, Videla featured on the wing for Chile in their matches against Japan, Samoa and Argentina.
In 2024, he moved to the MLR, signing with the Miami Sharks alongside a number of of his Cóndores teammates, staying with the membership till its dissolution.
Regardless of the uncertainty over his future, Videla performed a masterful position in Chile’s second World Cup qualification, efficiently slotting in 9 kicks out of 12 within the two-leg matches towards Samoa.
The Chicago Hounds performed their first MLR season in 2024 and have been strengthening their squad for the upcoming season, with Chris Latham being the top coach of the Illinois workforce.
Videla is anticipated to affix the membership after Chile’s tour to Italy, scheduled for November.
