Rugby in Brazil: Participation & Growth Calculator
Current Numbers (2024)
Growth Trends
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Key Takeaways
Rugby in Brazil continues to grow rapidly despite being much smaller than football. The sport has seen significant investment since the 2016 Olympics, with increased participation, infrastructure, and media attention. While it still trails football by orders of magnitude, the growth trajectory shows a promising future for rugby in Brazil.
When you hear “Brazil,” football instantly pops up, but rugby in Brazil is a fast‑growing sport that blends physicality with strategy and is carving its own niche across the country. This article breaks down how big the game really is, its roots, the numbers that matter, and where you can catch the action.
TL;DR
- Over 70,000 registered rugby players in Brazil as of 2024.
- Rugby saw a sharp rise after the 2016 Rio Olympics, especially in sevens.
- The sport enjoys TV deals, sponsorships, and a solid club network in SãoPaulo, Rio, and the South.
- Football still dwarfs rugby, but fan interest is steady and growing.
- Newbies can join local clubs or stream matches via World Rugby’s digital platforms.
How Rugby Took Root in Brazil
The first documented rugby match on Brazilian soil took place in 1972 when a group of British expatriates set up a friendly game in SãoPaulo. Rugby Union the 15‑a‑side version of the sport remained a niche activity for three decades, largely confined to expatriate circles and a handful of university teams.
In 1995, the Confederação Brasileira de Rugby (CBRu) the national governing body responsible for all rugby disciplines in Brazil was officially recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Sports. This gave the sport legitimacy, opening doors for government funding and participation in South American tournaments.
Brazil’s first international test match came in 2000, when the national side-nicknamed “Los Tupis”-faced Uruguay. Although they lost 42‑7, the encounter sparked media curiosity and prompted the creation of youth programs in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre.
Current Participation & Infrastructure
Fast forward to 2024, and the CBRu reports roughly 70,000 registered players across 350 clubs. The gender split is shifting: women now constitute 38% of registered athletes, up from 15% a decade ago. The club distribution looks like this:
- SãoPaulo region: 120 clubs, the highest concentration of senior teams.
- Rio de Janeiro: 80 clubs, many tied to university programs.
- Southern states (RioGrande do Sul, Paraná, SantaCatarina): 70 clubs, with a strong focus on youth development.
- North and Northeast: emerging markets, 30 clubs combined, supported by grassroots NGOs.
Infrastructure has improved dramatically. By 2023, Brazil hosted three World Rugby‑approved stadiums-SãoPaulo’sEstádio do Morumbi (partial conversion), Rio’s Olympic Stadium, and a purpose‑built 5,000‑seat venue in Florianópolis.
Rugby Sevens: The Olympic Boost
The 2016 Rio Olympics was a turning point. Rugby Sevens the fast‑paced, seven‑players‑per‑side variant featured in the Summer Games attracted massive TV audiences-average viewership reached 12million across Brazil, according to Nielsen Brazil. This exposure translated into a 45% jump in junior registrations within a year and spurred corporate sponsors like BancodoBrasil and Ambev to sign multi‑year deals with the national sevens program.
Since the Olympics, Brazil has fielded competitive sevens squads in the World Rugby Sevens Series, regularly finishing in the top12. The 2023 South American Sevens saw Brazil secure a silver medal, beating Uruguay in the semi‑finals-an achievement that generated headlines in sports dailies such as OGlobo.
Media Coverage & Fan Base Compared to Football
Football’s dominance is evident: the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reports 33million active players and TV ratings averaging 35million per match. Rugby’s numbers are modest but upward‑trending. Below is a quick snapshot:
| Metric | Rugby (Union & Sevens) | Football |
|---|---|---|
| Registered players | ~70,000 | ~33,000,000 |
| Average live‑match TV viewers (national team) | 1.2million | 22million |
| Clubs with >500 members | 12 | 1,200 |
| Social‑media followers (official CBRu) | 340k on Instagram | 12M on Instagram |
| Annual sponsorship revenue | US$2.4million | US$1.2billion |
While the gap is stark, the growth rate tells a different story. Rugby’s player base grew 28% between 2020‑2024, whereas football’s numbers have plateaued.
Major Events, Teams & Players to Watch
The most visible club on the national stage is SãoPaulo Rugby Club, a perennial champion of the Superliga de Rugby. Their star scrum‑half, JoãoSilva, recently earned a contract with the French Pro D2 side Narbonne, highlighting the talent pipeline.
In sevens, the Rio-based squad “Tupis Rio” dominates the South American circuit, boasting players like wingMariana Costa, who was named “Best Female Player” at the 2023 Pan‑American Games.
Internationally, Brazil’s men’s 15‑a‑side team qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying playoffs for the first time, edging out Paraguay in a nail‑biter 27‑25 win in SãoPaulo.
Key annual events include:
- Superliga de Rugby (October‑December): Brazil’s top‑tier league featuring 12 clubs.
- Brazil Sevens Grand Prix (June): Part of the World Rugby Sevens Series hosted at the Olympic stadium.
- Brazilian Rugby Cup (March): Knock‑out tournament for university teams.
How to Follow or Get Involved with Rugby in Brazil
If you’re living in Brazil or just want to watch the action, here are practical steps:
- Join a local club. Most clubs hold open “train‑with‑us” days on weekends. The CBRu website lists contact details for every registered club.
- Stream matches. World Rugby’s official app offers live streams of the Superliga and Sevens tournaments, often with Portuguese commentary.
- Follow social channels. The CBRu’s Instagram and Twitter provide match highlights, player interviews, and ticket offers.
- Instagram: @cbru_oficial
- Twitter: @cbru_rugby
- Attend public events. During the Rio Carnival, the city hosts a “Rugby Village” where fans can watch live games, try mini‑matches, and meet national players.
- Volunteer for youth programs. NGOs such as “Rugby Para Todos” recruit volunteers to coach children in low‑income neighborhoods, offering a good way to give back while learning the sport.
All of these pathways show that rugby isn’t just a fringe activity-it’s becoming an accessible community sport across Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people play rugby in Brazil?
As of the end of 2024, the Confederação Brasileira de Rugby reports roughly 70,000 registered players, split between rugby union (15‑a‑side) and rugby sevens.
Did the 2016 Rio Olympics boost rugby’s popularity?
Yes. Rugby sevens viewership peaked at about 12million during the Games, leading to a 45% increase in junior registrations and new corporate sponsorships.
Where can I watch professional rugby matches in Brazil?
Major matches are broadcast on ESPN Brazil and streamed via the World Rugby app. Local clubs also host live games in venues like the Olympic Stadium in Rio.
Is there a women’s rugby league in Brazil?
Yes. The women’s Superliga started in 2018 and now features 8 teams, with the national women’s sevens side regularly competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
How can a newcomer join a rugby club?
Visit the CBRu website, pick a club near you, and attend a “open training” session. Most clubs welcome beginners and provide basic equipment on the first day.
So, is rugby big in Brazil? It’s not as massive as football, but the numbers, media buzz, and grassroots energy show a sport that’s definitely on the rise. Whether you’re a fan, a player, or just curious, the opportunities to engage with rugby in Brazil have never been better.
