RODRIGO MARTA cuts through the opposition’s defence with a ballerina sidestep and quickly launches a counter-attack! And here comes Raffaele Storti and José Madeira in support, how will this end? Oh, what an offload for Storti and it’s a try for Portugal in… this pool stage match against Tonga for the U20 World Rugby Trophy!”
This intro could fit perfectly in 2023 but in reality it happened back in 2019, when Portugal almost won promotion to the U20 World Championship, losing only to Japan in a final that was decided by a last-minute try. Four years ago, Os Lobos (The Wolves) pups were already earning a reputation for being a skilful and relentless side that could throw more than a few proverbial punches, something that would be repeated for the seniors.
From 2019 to 2023, several players from that U20 set-up would not only make it to the senior squad but attract the attention of French clubs, starting a new era for Portuguese rugby. Madeira went to FC Grenoble (ProD2), amassing 50 games in just three seasons; Storti was caught by Stade Français in 2021 but only made his debut in the French pro competitions when moving to AS Béziers Hérault in 2022, scoring ten tries in 12 matches; and Marta, after many masterclass displays for the Lusitanos, the Portuguese Super Cup franchise, was signed by Dax Landes last summer and went on to astonish everyone by scoring 15 tries in the regular season.
These are just three examples of how successful the new Portuguese generation is, and how quickly players are making an impact at every level, be it for the clubs, franchises or national side.
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY