Brazil names squad for historic Women's Rugby World Cup debut

Brazil has announced its 32-player squad for the nation’s first-ever appearance at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to begin in England this August.

The squad, known as the Yaras, was revealed during a ceremony at São Paulo’s Pacaembu Stadium, as Brazil prepares to make history on rugby’s biggest stage.

The World Cup campaign will begin on 24 August when Brazil faces South Africa in Northampton. The Yaras will then continue their Pool D matches against France in Exeter on 31 August and Italy on 7 September.

Head coach Emiliano Caffera, who has been in charge since October 2023, selected the squad following months of preparation, including training camps and friendly matches. The coaching staff evaluated 46 players since May before narrowing the list to the final 32.

Among the squad are several crossover athletes from Brazil’s sevens program. Notably, 11 players have competed in at least one Olympic Games, including experienced stars Luiza Campos and Raquel Kochhann. Both are three-time Olympians, and Kochhann also served as Brazil’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Speaking about the occasion, Kochhann said, “It’s hard to put into words what this call-up and World Cup participation mean.

"Everything we’ve achieved proves that Brazilian rugby deserves more attention.

"Fifteens rugby is very different from sevens, and it’s a much more inclusive format. This blend is what makes this squad so special.”

Coach Caffera expressed confidence in the team’s potential.

“These 32 players are the best athletes we have in Brazil right now.

"I’m confident that this group will not only perform well at the World Cup but also help elevate rugby’s profile in the country,” he said.

The Yaras will depart for England on 14 August, aiming to make a strong impression in their tournament debut.]

Brazil squad:

Aline Mayumi – Pasteur (SP), Ana Carolina Santana – Melina (MT), Bianca Silva – Leoas de Paraisópolis (SP) & Nagato Blue Angels (Japan), Camilla Ísis – El-Shaddai (RJ), Carolyne Pereira – Melina (MT) & Grua (AM), Dayana Dakar – Niterói (RJ), Edna Santini – São José (SP) & São Miguel (Portugal), Eshyllen Coimbra – El-Shaddai (RJ), Fernanda Tenório – El-Shaddai (RJ), Franciele Barros – Sporting (Portugal), Giovana Mamede – Jacareí (SP), Giovanna Barth – Maringá (PR), Íris Coluna – Poli (SP), Isabela Saccomanno – São José (SP), Isadora Lopes – Melina (MT), Julia Leni – Curitiba (PR), Larissa Carvalho – Curitiba (PR), Larissa Henwood – Counties Manukau (New Zealand), Leila Silva – Leoas de Paraisópolis (SP), Letícia Medeiros – Jacareí (SP) & Bond University (Australia), Letícia Silva – Melina (MT), Luiza Campos – Charrua (RS), Marcelle Souza – El-Shaddai (RJ), Maria Gabriela Graf – Desterro (SC) & Brothers (Australia), Mariana Nicolau – São José (SP), Marina Fioravanti – Poli (SP), Natalia Jonck – Brothers (Australia), Pâmela Santos – Charrua (RS), Raquel Kochhann – Charrua (RS) & Desterro (SC), Samara Vergara – Pasteur (SP), Taís Prioste – Bobigny (France), Yasmim Soares – Melina (MT)