Chilean Franco Velarde on his way to Spain from Selknam

Franco Velarde will continue his rugby career in Spain. The 26-year-old Chilean winger has signed to play for SilverStorm El Salvador in the country’s premier division, the División de Honor. The club is presently leading the Spanish domestic league.

Velarde moves to Spain following his inivolvement in the historic result against Canada. He started on the left win in Chile’s 33-24 win over Canada. The result saw Chile advancing to the finals of RWC 2023 Americas qualification while Canada were eliminated.

Velarde plays not only on the wing; he also plays in the centers. This is reflected by his size; he is 185 cm tall and weighs 96 kg. He was used mainly at center for Barça Rugbi in recent seasons.

In moving to SilverStorm El Salvador, Vellarde makes a return to Spain and to the División de Honor. He played for Barça Rugby from 2017-2020. His seaons with the club were highly successful, Velarde scored 26 tries.

Velarde made his test debut for Chile in 2017 against Brazil. He was on the Selknam roster for the 2021 Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR). Selknam reached the Semi Finals.