Chile's rugby captain Martin Sigren, who has been playing in the Rugby World Cup in France, will be an ambassador at the Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games ©Getty Images

Martín Sigren, captain of the Chilean team that has just performed with honour in its first Rugby World Cup, is the latest sporting figure to be added to the ambassador programme for this year’s Pan American and Parapan American Games in Santiago.

The 27-year-old leader of the “Cóndores”, whose pool matches in France have seen them play Japan, Samoa, England and Argentina, is joining 18 other outstanding national athletes and former athletes who will be supporting the biggest sporting event to be held in Chile since the 1962 FIFA World Cup finals.

The winger, who plays club rugby with English team Doncaster Knights, is the 19th national athlete added to the programme - a select list of people who represent the values of the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Speaking to Santiago 2023 from France, Sigren said: "It is an honour to have been invited to the group of ambassadors. 

"I know some of the names that are part of it and it's crazy to think that I'm involved among them. 

"I also take it as a responsibility, since athletes are ambassadors of the country."

Chile's captain Martin Sigren, pictured facing Argentina in their meeting at the Rugby World Cup in France, has been named as an ambassador for the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Santiago later this year ©Getty Images
Chile's captain Martin Sigren, pictured facing Argentina in their meeting at the Rugby World Cup in France, has been named as an ambassador for the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Santiago later this year ©Getty Images

Speaking about Chile's Rugby World Cup debut Sigren added: "You have to take advantage of the opportunity to play against the best rugby players in the world.

"It is a responsibility to represent the country, both on and off the field.

"We have talked a lot with colleagues about what people's reaction has been. 

"We receive messages from many people who are not close to rugby, who do not follow it, but who have seen us and have felt identified with us. 

"That was one of the objectives we were looking for. 

"That people can follow us more, that they see us and that they identify with our drive.

"I think we have been achieving it."

The Santiago 2023 ambassador programme list already features Yasmani Acosta, Robinson Méndez, Francisca Mardones, Kristel Köbrich, Sammis Reyes, Nicolás Massú, Alberto Abarza, Adolfo Almarza, Bárbara Riveros, Fernando González, Felipe Miranda, María Fernanda Valdés, Joaquín Niemann, Melita and Antonia Abraham, Guillermo 'Mito' Pereira, Mariana Zuñiga and Christiane Endler, with Sigren the latest addition to the list.

The Santiago 2023 Pan American Games is due to begin on October 20, and is set to run until November 5, with the Parapan American Games due to follow from November 17 to 26.