Rugby in Brazil is gaining a lot more strength and popularity with each passing year, both in terms of the public and the high-performance athletes who are starting to emerge.
Despite being a relatively new sport on the Brazilian sports scene, some players have already won important titles, standing out not only in national competitions, but also in international tournaments.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a special list of the 20 best rugby players in Brazil today for you to get to know! These players represent the dedication, passion and determination that the sport demands, and their careers inspire a new generation to come.
So check out the 20 best rugby players in Brazil today!
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The 20 best rugby players in Brazil today: complete list
- Lucas Duque “Tanque”
- Moisés Duque
- Felipe Sancery
- Daniel Sancery
- Matheus Cruz
- Diego Lopez
- André Arruda
- Guilherme “Gulim” Marques
- Thiago Rodrigues
- Leonardo “Leco” Gonçalves
- Robert Tenório
- Pedro Lopes
- Rodrigo “Rod” Gouveia
- Lucas Tranquez
- Bruno Garcia
- Gabriel Paganini
- Francisco de Assis
- Gustavo “Gus” Henrique
- Vinícius Cabral
- Fernando Portugal
The 20 best rugby players in Brazil today: find out more
1. Lucas Duque “Tanque”
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: First Brazilian to score a try in a Rugby Sevens World Cup.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Lucas began his career in São José dos Campos and quickly stood out for his strength and skill, earning the nickname “Tanque”. He is one of the main leaders of the Brazilian national team and a reference point for many young players.
- Curiosities: He is the brother of fellow rugby player Moisés Duque, forming one of the sport’s most famous duos in Brazil.
2. Moisés Duque
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: Recognized as one of the best kickers in the Brazilian national team.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Like his brother Lucas, Moisés began playing rugby in São José dos Campos. Known for his vision and accurate kicking, he has been instrumental in the evolution of Brazilian rugby.
- Fun facts: Moisés, along with his brother, is a key member of the Brazilian national team, and together they have made history by leading Brazil to unprecedented achievements.
3. Felipe Sancery
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: One of the first Brazilians to play for French clubs.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Albi (France), Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Felipe began his career in São José dos Campos, and his skills led him to international rugby, where he played for teams in France. He is one of the big names in Brazilian rugby, known for his agility and tactical intelligence.
- Fun facts: Felipe has a twin brother, Daniel Sancery, who also plays rugby and together they form a dynamic duo on the field.
4. Daniel Sancery
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: He was one of the first Brazilians to play abroad, following in the footsteps of his brother Felipe.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Albi (France), Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Daniel, like his twin brother Felipe, began his career in São José dos Campos. His speed and skill on the pitch have made him one of the team’s leading points scorers.
- Fun facts: In addition to rugby, Daniel is passionate about soccer and has considered a career in that sport before dedicating himself to rugby.
5. Matheus Cruz
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: Captain of the Brazilian rugby sevens team in several international competitions.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Matheus is one of the most respected players in Brazilian rugby, known for his leadership on and off the field. He began his career in São José dos Campos and quickly made a name for himself as one of the best athletes in the country.
- Fun facts: Matheus is known for being one of the main mentors of younger players in the national team.
6. Diego Lopez
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: Recognized as one of the best defenders in Brazil.
- Teams: Jacareí Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Diego started rugby in Jacareí and quickly stood out for his strength and defensive ability. He is a key part of the Brazilian national team’s defense line.
- Fun facts: Off the pitch, Diego is a civil engineer and manages to combine his playing career with his profession.
7. André Arruda
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: One of the leading players in the wing position in Brazil.
- Teams: Pasteur Athletique Club, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: André is known for his endurance and skill in breakdown contests. He started playing rugby in São Paulo and has become one of the leading names in the sport in the country.
- Fun facts: André is a big fan of martial arts, which complements his physical preparation for rugby.
8. Guilherme “Gulim” Marques
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Pan American Games (bronze medal in 2015)
- Records Broken: Recognized as one of the best wings in South America.
- Teams: Desterro Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Guilherme, known as “Gulim”, is famous for his speed and ability to finish off plays. He started playing rugby in Florianópolis and quickly made a name for himself as one of Brazil’s leading points scorers.
- Fun facts: Off the pitch, Gulim is passionate about surfing, which helps his physical fitness.
9. Thiago Rodrigues
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of Brazil’s leading forwards.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Brasil XV.
- History: Thiago is a versatile player, known for his strength and technique in scrums. He is one of the main forwards in the Brazilian national team.
- Fun facts: Thiago is one of the few Brazilian players to have played professionally for clubs in Europe.
10. Leonardo “Leco” Gonçalves
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: Captain of the Brazilian national team in several international competitions.
- Teams: São José Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Leonardo, known as “Leco”, is a born leader on the field, captaining the national team on several occasions. He began his career in São José dos Campos and has become a reference for national rugby.
- Fun facts: Leco is known for his leadership style which motivates and inspires his teammates.
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11. Robert Tenório
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: Recognized for his skill at turnovers.
- Teams: Jacareí Rugby, Brasil XV.
- History: Robert is one of the leading players in the hooker position in Brazil, known for his strength in rucks and mauls. He started rugby in Jacareí and quickly made a name for himself as one of the best in the country.
- Fun facts: Robert is known for being an extremely dedicated player in training, always looking to improve his technical skills.
12. Pedro Lopes
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of Brazil’s leading scrummagers.
- Teams: Niterói Rugby, Brazil XV.
- History: Pedro is one of the strongest forwards in the Brazilian team, known for his technique in scrums and lineouts. He started rugby in Niterói and quickly became one of the pillars of the national team.
- Fun facts: Pedro is passionate about fishing, a hobby that helps him relax off the pitch.
13. Rodrigo “Rod” Gouveia
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of the best fullbacks in Brazil.
- Teams: Curitiba Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Rodrigo, known as “Rod”, is famous for his kicking ability and his vision of the game. He started out in rugby in Curitiba and made a name for himself as one of the best fullbacks in the country.
- Fun facts: Rodrigo is also a talented musician, playing guitar in a local band.
14. Lucas Tranquez
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: Known for his speed and ability in sidesteps.
- Teams: Bandeirantes Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Lucas began his career in São Paulo and quickly became one of the leading players in the Brazilian national team, known for his speed and agility on the pitch.
- Fun facts: Lucas is a big fan of extreme sports such as skateboarding and parkour, which contributes to his rugby prowess.
15. Bruno Garcia
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of Brazil’s leading scrum-halfs.
- Teams: SPAC Rugby, Brasil XV.
- History: Bruno is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to distribute the game. He started rugby in São Paulo and has become one of the country’s leading scrum-halfs.
- Fun facts: Bruno has a degree in physical education and works as a coach in social projects that use rugby as a tool for inclusion.
16. Gabriel Paganini
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: Recognized as one of the top locks in Brazil.
- Teams: Pasteur Athletique Club, Brasil XV.
- History: Gabriel is known for his physical strength and ability in aerial contests. He began his career in São Paulo and quickly made a name for himself as one of the country’s top locks.
- Fun facts: Gabriel is a food enthusiast and loves to cook in his spare time.
17. Francisco de Assis
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of Brazil’s top centers.
- Teams: Desterro Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Francisco began his career in Florianópolis and stood out as one of Brazil’s top centers, known for his strength and ability to break through defenses.
- Fun facts: Francisco is a big fan of action movies, especially those in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
18. Gustavo “Gus” Henrique
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of the best wing defenders in Brazil.
- Teams: Jacareí Rugby, Brasil XV.
- History: Gustavo is known for his toughness and tackling ability. He started out in rugby in Jacareí and has become one of the main defensive references in Brazil.
- Fun facts: Gustavo is known for his interest in physiotherapy and is already considering pursuing this career after retiring from rugby.
19. Vinícius Cabral
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: One of the best scorers in the wing position in Brazil.
- Teams: SPAC Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Vinícius is known for his speed and ability to finish off plays. He began his career in São Paulo and became one of the leading scorers for the Brazilian national team.
- Fun facts: Vinícius is a big motorsport fan and has taken part in amateur karting competitions.
20. Fernando Portugal
- Titles won:
- South American Rugby Championship
- Records Broken: Captain of the Brazilian national team in several international tournaments.
- Teams: SPAC Rugby, Brasil XV, Brasil Sevens.
- History: Fernando is one of the team’s most experienced players, known for his leadership and skill on the pitch. He began his career in São Paulo and has become a benchmark in Brazilian rugby.
- Fun facts: Fernando has a degree in business administration and is already planning his post-rugby career, with an interest in sports management.
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Top 20 rugby players in Brazil today: complete list
- Lucas Duque “Tanque”
- Moisés Duque
- Felipe Sancery
- Daniel Sancery
- Matheus Cruz
- Diego Lopez
- André Arruda
- Guilherme “Gulim” Marques
- Thiago Rodrigues
- Leonardo “Leco” Gonçalves
- Robert Tenório
- Pedro Lopes
- Rodrigo “Rod” Gouveia
- Lucas Tranquez
- Bruno Garcia
- Gabriel Paganini
- Francisco de Assis
- Gustavo “Gus” Henrique
- Vinícius Cabral
- Fernando Portugal
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