The Brazilian women’s rugby sevens team, known as “As Yaras”, secured their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a series of commanding performances at the World Rugby Sevens Final Repechage Tournament, held this weekend in Monaco.
With wins over Hong Kong, Poland, and Kenya, Brazil clinched one of the last remaining Olympic berths, reinforcing their status as South America’s leading force in women’s rugby.
Dominating the Repechage
Brazil’s journey through the tournament showcased tactical precision, fitness, and flair:
- Pool Play: Brazil defeated Hong Kong (31–7) and Poland (22–5), dominating possession and breaking through defensive lines consistently.
- Semifinals: A clinical 26–12 victory over Kenya, marked by two brilliant tries from captain Raquel Kochhann and standout defensive work from Bianca Silva.
After the final whistle of the semifinal, the Brazilian players huddled together, singing and waving the national flag, fully aware of the historic moment they had just created.
Coach Will Broderick praised the team:
“These women have fought every day for this. They’ve trained with heart, traveled the world, and believed — now they get to live their Olympic dream again.”
Building a Rugby Legacy in Brazil
The success of As Yaras is the result of a decade-long investment by the Brazilian Rugby Confederation (CBRu) in women’s rugby, focused on:
- Establishing regional academies across Brazil
- Increasing participation through school and university programs
- Securing partnerships with private sponsors and government initiatives to support full-time athletes
Since their first Olympic appearance at Rio 2016, As Yaras have steadily improved, regularly qualifying for the World Rugby Sevens Series and breaking into the top 12 rankings globally.
Key Players Leading the Charge
Some of the standout names from Brazil’s qualification campaign include:
- Raquel Kochhann (Captain): Tactical leader and reliable kicker, with 85% conversion accuracy.
- Bianca Silva: Speedster on the wing, crucial in counter-attacks and defensive recoveries.
- Luiza Campos: Versatile playmaker, controlling the tempo and providing creative options in attack.
This blend of experience and youthful energy makes Brazil a dangerous team heading into Paris.
The Road to Paris: Preparations Underway
With Olympic qualification achieved, the focus now shifts to refining performance for the big stage. Plans include:
- Intensive training camps in Portugal and France, focusing on match scenarios against top-tier opponents.
- Participation in select Sevens Series tournaments for additional competitive exposure.
- High-performance development including sports psychology, nutrition optimization, and injury prevention.
Brazil will face strong opponents in Paris, including New Zealand, Australia, and France, but they are determined to compete fearlessly and aim for the podium.
Growing the Game at Home
The visibility of As Yaras’ success has sparked a surge of interest in women’s rugby across Brazil. According to CBRu:
- Women’s rugby participation has increased by 35% since 2022.
- Over 150 new girls’ rugby teams have been formed across Brazilian states.
- Sponsorships for the women’s program have grown by 40% year-over-year.
As Yaras are not only athletes — they are pioneers, blazing trails for the next generation of Brazilian rugby stars.
Conclusion: A Historic Moment for As Yaras
Brazil’s women’s rugby sevens team is proving that with belief, preparation, and heart, anything is possible.
Their qualification for Paris 2024 is not just a sporting achievement — it’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and the unstoppable spirit of Brazilian women.
As the Games approach, one thing is certain: As Yaras will be ready to roar on the Olympic stage.