EXCLUSIVE: Brazil set to make International History

 Brazil announced today that they are set to make International history by becoming the first ever Rugby League team to play in 3 different continents in just 1 season.

The news is a huge positive after what has been a disappointing year for the South America outfit. Despite an impressive victory in the Sulamericano, the men's team were removed from the World Cup Qualifying process and the women's team were removed from the World Cup despite already being classified. This tour aims to give visibility to sponsors and keep the sport alive in Brazil.

This tour will also be in celebration of the Federations 5th anniversary.

Brazil's first game will be against England Under 18's. The current European champions will face Brazil's European Rugby League project, a team featuring both players in the English and French system, including Salford's Jorge Cabral and Catalans' Renato Amaro.

Hugo Froes, Brazil Rugby League CEO: "From 2024 onwards, we will place great focus on the Europe project. England is a much more accessible getaway than Australia. Travel is cheaper, visas are easier and there are smaller leagues hungry for athletes- Brazilians can be a viable option."

The second game will be against Argentina in the Mercosur Cup, which Brazil will look to win for a second time, despite how tough the fixture is and Argentina having an established league. 

Froes: "The Argentines have empowered themselves, brought new players and held their first club Championship. They are working hard for the game and it is without a doubt the country with the greatest potential for growth within the IRL. It is a sleeping giant and with the appropriate support, they could easily be the greatest power in the Americas."

The most anticipated game is against El Salvador, who had been second best on the continent behind only Chile, until Brazils victory over Chile. A win here would see Brazil become the most successful team in Latin America. The game will take place in Australia.

Froes: "Australia is the cradle of Brazilian Rugby League talent, with brothers Braga and Juan Casanova being exponents of the new generation and league and union idol, Mark Jackson, playing his final game which will be an important closing of the Australian project."

The final game will be Brazil taking on the Brazil Invitational All Stars, a team of expats. The game is inspired by the Combined Nations All Stars fixtures in England and will kick off the 2024 Brazilian season, which will be completely reformulated.

Froes: "We are still awaiting the return of European men's and women's university teams and also the possibility of hosting an international event in the country. IRL's latest announcements have certainly been destructive for Brazilian community, but we persevere, and Brazil will never settle or stop seeking challenges."

This is set to be a great tour for Brazil and an opportunity for expansion across the full Rugby League world. More news on this history making tour as we get it.

Fixtures in full:

Saturday 4th November 2023: England U18s v Brazil, 2pm, Ruskin Drive Sportsground, St. Helens

Saturday 2nd December 2023: Argentina v Brazil, 2pm, Buenos Aires

Sunday 28th January 2024: Brazil v El Salvador, 2pm, Brisbane

Saturday 24th February 2024: Brazil v Brazil Invitational All Stars, 2pm, São Paulo


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