In a landmark moment for Chilean rugby, the recently qualified South American nation is set to swap fixtures with Samoa and play Italy in the upcoming Autumn Nations series.
Having recently defeated the Pacific Island nation for the first time to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Los Cóndores will take on gli Azzurri for the first time ever at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Geona, the Italian Federation of Rugby (FIR) has confirmed.
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This decision, "following a request by Samoa, reflects the evolving priorities for both Chile and Samoa as they navigate their respective pathways towards RWC 2027 qualification," the FIR said in an official statement on Thursday.
Samoa is set to head to Dubai in a last-ditch effort to qualify for 2027, taking on Namibia, Belgium, and either Paraguay or Brazil following on from their qualification fixtures.
The winner of the tournament will fill the final spot remaining for the World Cup, with the final qualification tournament taking place from November 8-18, which coincides with the November Tests.
Chile booked its ticket to the World Cup in Australia last month following a two-leg play-off victory against Samoa.
Gonzalo Quesada's Italy will host Australia on November 8 in Udine, South Africa a week later in Turin, followed by Chile in their historic first clash on November 22 in Genoa to round out their 2025 season.
