Brazil‘s Women’s Rugby Team Reaches Historic World Cup Qualification
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São Paulo – in a landmark achievement for South American rugby,Brazil’s women’s national team,known as the Yaras,secured their first-ever qualification for the Rugby World Cup. the team clinched their spot wiht a decisive 34-13 victory over Colombia in June, a win that resonated far beyond the pitch. This qualification signifies a turning point for the sport in Brazil and the wider region.
A History forged Through Resilience
The Yaras’ journey to the World Cup has been marked by perseverance. Their initial foray into international competition came in 2008 with a 10-0 loss to the Netherlands, followed by an 11-year period with limited matches due to a scarcity of regional opponents. Brazil’s rugby union strategically focused on women’s sevens and rugby league during this time, before reviving the 15s program in 2019 with World Cup qualification as a primary goal.
Despite a previous qualifying defeat to colombia in 2021, the expanded format of the 2025 tournament-granting South America a guaranteed qualification spot-presented a renewed chance. This set the stage for the pivotal match against their rivals.
“It was a very unbelievable thing to win the game against Colombia because we had about six or seven losses before that game, it was the first time we won,” shared captain Eshyllen Coimbra, who also balances her rugby career with studies in journalism. “I wasn’t thinking about the Rugby World Cup, it was the first win, and I couldn’t believe it.”
Did You Know? The Yaras have only played sixteen Test matches, a stark contrast to established rugby nations like England, who played six times that number in 2024 alone.
Building a Program from the Ground Up
The team’s recent success is largely attributed to the leadership of head coach Emiliano Caffera, who also manages the Brazilian men’s team. Caffera took the helm after a December 2023 victory over Portugal and immediately prioritized developing essential 15s skills among players with backgrounds primarily in sevens.
“All of the skills of sevens start the planning for 15s,” Caffera explained.”I had to work on the weaknesses which were the scrum, maul, defense and kicking game. We really focused there.”
Many players also bring experience from rugby league, adding a unique dimension to the team’s skillset. Veteran Edna Santini, 33, is poised to become the first athlete to compete in a Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, Sevens World Series, Olympic Games, and a rugby League World Cup-a testament to her versatility and dedication.
Key Milestones in Brazil women’s Rugby History
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | First International Match | Lost to Netherlands 10-0 |
| 2019 | 15s team Revived | Focus on World Cup Qualification |
| 2021/2022 | World Cup Qualifier | defeated by Colombia |
| December 2023 | Victory over Portugal | First Win in Team History |
| June 2024 | Qualifier vs. Colombia | Won 34-13, Qualified for 2025 Rugby World Cup |
Looking ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
the Yaras enter the 2025 Rugby World Cup with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead.They are drawn into Pool D alongside South Africa, Italy, and France-all formidable opponents they have yet to face. Despite the odds, the team is focused on showcasing Brazilian rugby on the global stage.
“It is an opportunity to show the Brazilian way to play rugby,” Coimbra stated. ”We want to do our best, without looking at results. We want to surprise people and make people see what Brazil rugby is about.”
pro Tip: Understanding the unique playing styles of each opponent will be crucial for the Yaras as they navigate the challenges of the World Cup.
Caffera emphasizes the need for continued growth and increased opportunities for Brazilian players. He advocates for a South American tournament to foster growth within the region and believes sending players to leagues in countries like England, Italy, and New zealand is essential for their progress. What steps can World Rugby take to further support the growth of women’s rugby in South America?
The yaras’ participation in the 2025 Rugby World Cup represents not only a historic achievement for Brazil but also a significant step forward for the sport in South america. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and a shared vision for the future.
Women’s rugby has experienced ample global growth in recent years, driven by increased investment, media coverage, and participation rates. The inclusion of women’s rugby in the Olympic Games has further boosted its profile. However, disparities remain in terms of resources and development opportunities across different regions. The success of teams like Brazil’s Yaras highlights the potential for growth in emerging rugby nations and underscores the importance of continued support from governing bodies like World Rugby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazil Women’s Rugby
- What is the significance of Brazil qualifying for the Rugby World Cup? It marks the first time a South American nation has qualified for the tournament, opening doors for the sport’s growth in the region.
- Who is the captain of the Brazil women’s rugby team? Eshyllen Coimbra leads the Yaras as their captain.
- What challenges does the Brazil team face at the World Cup? They are in a tough pool with experienced teams like South Africa, Italy, and France.
- Who is the head coach of the Brazil women’s rugby team? Emiliano Caffera is the head coach, also leading the men’s national team.
- What are the team’s goals for the tournament? The Yaras aim to showcase Brazilian rugby and compete to the best of their ability, irrespective of the outcome.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful look into the inspiring journey of Brazil’s women’s rugby team. Share this article with your friends and family, and let’s celebrate their amazing achievement together! Don’t forget to subscribe to World Today News for more compelling stories from around the globe.
