Cool Ruckings: Brazil aim to make waves at their first Women’s Rugby World Cup

Tournament debutants will make history as the first South American team to qualify, just 17 years after their first match

READY OR NOT: Brazil veteran Edna Santini is ready for whatever the Rugby World Cup throw at the tournament debutantes. Pic: Harry Murphy, World Rugby via Getty.

SIXTEEN. That is how many Tests Brazil’s women’s rugby team has played, just six more than England played in 2024 alone. The Yaras have recorded five wins but one of those was history-making: a first victory against Colombia last June that secured qualification for the Rugby World Cup. They will be the first South American country at the women’s tournament and the first Brazil team, male or female, to compete in rugby’s global showpiece. “It is incredible,” says their captain, Eshyllen Coimbra.

The remarkable story began in 2008 with their first international match. Brazil lost 10-0 to the Netherlands in what would be their sole fixture before an 11-year hiatus, mainly due to a lack of regional opponents. Brazil’s union focused on women’s sevens and rugby league before the 15s team was revived in 2019. One of the main reasons for doing so was the potential for World Cup qualification.