When you think of Brazil, soccer comes to mind first. Millions of kids kick balls on beaches, in favelas, and on dusty fields. But rugby? That’s not what most people expect. Still, rugby in Brazil isn’t just hanging on by a thread-it’s growing, quietly but steadily, with more fixtures, more players, and more passion than you’d guess.
Rugby isn’t new in Brazil, but it’s not mainstream either
Rugby arrived in Brazil in the late 1800s, brought by British immigrants and sailors. It stuck in a few pockets-mainly in São Paulo, Rio, and Curitiba-where expats and local elites picked it up. But unlike soccer, which exploded into national culture, rugby stayed small. For decades, it was seen as an elite, foreign sport. That changed in the 2000s.
Today, the Brazilian Rugby Confederation (CBR) reports over 25,000 registered players. That’s up from just 4,000 in 2010. Women’s rugby has grown even faster, with participation nearly tripling since 2018. Clubs now exist in 22 of Brazil’s 26 states. You’ll find teams in places like Manaus, Belém, and even smaller cities like Campinas and Florianópolis.
The rise of rugby sevens and Olympic exposure
The real turning point came in 2016, when rugby sevens debuted at the Rio Olympics. Brazil’s men’s and women’s teams competed on home soil. The women’s team, nicknamed the Yaras, made a splash by beating stronger teams like Japan and Canada in the qualifiers. Even though they didn’t medal, their speed and grit caught national attention.
After the Olympics, youth programs exploded. Schools in Rio and São Paulo started adding rugby sevens to physical education. Local governments funded mini-tournaments. By 2023, over 120 public schools in São Paulo had rugby clubs. The Brazilian Olympic Committee even launched a “Rugby for All” initiative, targeting low-income neighborhoods.
Rugby fixtures are increasing-but not everywhere
If you’re looking for rugby fixtures in Brazil, you’ll find them clustered in certain regions. The top leagues are:
- São Paulo Rugby Championship - The largest league, with over 40 men’s and 20 women’s teams.
- Rio de Janeiro Sevens Series - Runs monthly from March to November, drawing teams from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.
- South Region Super 7s - Covers Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Known for physical, fast-paced play.
Outside these areas, fixtures are rare. In the North and Northeast, you’ll find scattered clubs, mostly run by volunteers. But even there, interest is rising. In 2024, the CBR held its first-ever national youth tournament in Fortaleza, with 18 teams from five states.
Why rugby isn’t as big as soccer-and why that’s changing
Soccer dominates because it’s cheap, simple, and deeply tied to national identity. All you need is a ball and a patch of ground. Rugby requires more gear: pads, mouthguards, proper fields. That’s a barrier in poorer areas.
But rugby’s advantages are starting to matter more. Schools love it because it teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Parents like that it’s less violent than American football and more structured than street soccer. And with Brazil’s rising middle class, more families can afford equipment.
TV exposure is also helping. ESPN Brasil now broadcasts the São Paulo Championship and the national sevens series. YouTube channels like Rugby Brasil and Yaras TV have over 500,000 combined subscribers. Kids are watching highlights, learning the rules, and asking to join.
The talent pipeline is building
Brazil isn’t yet a global rugby power-but it’s building one. The national men’s team, the Tupis, is ranked 34th in the world (as of late 2025), up from 48th in 2020. The women’s team, the Yaras, is 22nd-higher than many European nations.
Brazilian players are now getting noticed overseas. In 2024, three Brazilian women signed with clubs in France and England. One 19-year-old fly-half from Curitiba, Lucas Almeida, earned a scholarship to a top rugby academy in New Zealand. He’s now training with the All Blacks’ development squad.
The CBR has also partnered with World Rugby to fund coaching programs. Over 800 certified coaches now work in Brazil, up from just 120 in 2015. Most are volunteers, but the number of paid coaches is growing fast.
What’s next for rugby in Brazil?
The goal isn’t to replace soccer. It’s to carve out a real space. The CBR’s 2027 roadmap aims for:
- 100,000 registered players (up from 25,000)
- At least one Brazilian team in the World Rugby Sevens Series
- Rugby included in the 2027 Pan American Games as a medal sport
- Two new state-level leagues in the North and Northeast
Local sponsors are stepping in. Companies like Natura, Itaú, and even Brazilian beer brands are backing youth tournaments. One sponsor in São Paulo pays for gear for 500 low-income kids each year.
And the fans? They’re showing up. In 2024, the final of the São Paulo Championship drew 8,200 people-mostly young families, not expats. That’s more than some top-tier rugby matches in parts of Europe.
So, is rugby big in Brazil?
Not yet. But it’s no longer a niche curiosity. It’s a growing sport with real momentum. The fixtures are increasing. The players are improving. The kids are watching. And with every match in São Paulo, Rio, or Belém, rugby is slowly becoming part of Brazil’s sporting story-not as a replacement for soccer, but as another way to play, compete, and belong.
Is rugby popular in Brazil compared to soccer?
No, rugby is nowhere near as popular as soccer in Brazil. Soccer is the national obsession, with millions playing and watching. But rugby is growing fast, especially in cities like São Paulo and Rio. With over 25,000 registered players and rising youth participation, it’s becoming a legitimate alternative sport, not just a niche activity.
Where can I find rugby fixtures in Brazil?
Most rugby fixtures are in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the southern states like Paraná and Santa Catarina. The São Paulo Rugby Championship and Rio Sevens Series are the biggest competitions. You can check the Brazilian Rugby Confederation’s website or local club pages for schedules. Outside these areas, fixtures are rare but slowly expanding.
Are there professional rugby teams in Brazil?
There are no fully professional rugby teams in Brazil yet. Most players are amateurs who train after work or school. However, some top players receive stipends from sponsors or the national federation. A few Brazilian athletes now play professionally overseas, especially in France and England, after being scouted from domestic leagues.
Is women’s rugby growing in Brazil?
Yes, women’s rugby is one of the fastest-growing areas. The national team, the Yaras, is ranked 22nd in the world. Participation has tripled since 2018, with over 8,000 female players registered. Schools and NGOs are heavily investing in girls’ programs, especially in low-income communities.
Can I join a rugby club in Brazil as a foreigner?
Absolutely. Many clubs welcome expats and visitors. Cities like São Paulo and Rio have international clubs with English-speaking coaches. You don’t need prior experience-many clubs run beginner sessions. Just show up, wear sports gear, and ask about training times. Most are friendly and happy to have new players.
If you’re in Brazil and curious about rugby, don’t wait for a big stadium event. Find a local club. Show up on a Saturday morning. You might be surprised by how much heart, speed, and spirit the game has here.