Brazil's pioneers aim to make waves as they plan for debut on main stage

Yaras are the first South American team to qualify and have ambitions beyond their limited 15s experience

- Sarah Rendell

Sixteen. That is how many Tests Brazil's women's rugby union team have played, only 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 sevens and rugby league before the 15s team were revived in 2019.

For the 2021 tournament (staged in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) Brazil were beaten by Colombia in a qualifier, the victors going on to lose to Scotland in a playoff. However, for the expanded 2025 tournament, South America was granted a guaranteed qualification spot.

"It was a very unbelievable thing to win the game because we had about six or seven losses before that game, it was the first time we won," says Coimbra, who has a full-time player contract with Brazil and is also studying journalism. "I wasn't thinking about the Rugby World Cup, it was the first win.

"I started to think about the World Cup the next day and I just thought: 'I cannot believe I am in the tournament.' I'm so glad we made it and it is incredible to achieve it."