Hugo Fróes : « Have a strong Brazilian Championship »
After the win of his country in the Latin American Championship, we have met Hugo Fróes, Chief Operating Officer of the Brazilian Rugby League Confederation. He has speak with us about the development of Rugby League in Brazil.
Hugo, can you introduce yourself in a few words ?
Hugo Fróes, Chief Operations Officer of the Brazilian Rugby League Confederation and student of Business in São Lourenço University (Brazil).
What is your role in the Brazilian rugby league ?
I work organizing the Championships, Courses and Brazil teams, within the objectives of the 2018-2022 project.
How many clubs and players are there in Brazil ?
We currently have 13 clubs, divided into 5 states in the central region of Brazil, totaling just over 150 athletes.
How do you make people come to Rugby League in your country ?
Many teams have changed their code because of lack of support and perspective in the Union. We also had the transmission of the NRL in Brazil for some years, and when they know that the modality had started in the country, many athletes came.
Your national team won the South American Championship, can you tell us about this competition ? I presume it was a huge pride for you and the whole group ?
Brazil had participated in the Latin American in Chile in 2017, having made a selection in just 5 days, replacing Mexico, we ended up losing to Chile and Colombia.
In 2018, we held the largest Rugby League Festival in Latin American history, with the Brazilian Championship of 9s (men’s and women’s) and the South American, we had our Brazil`s male, female, B and U17 playing and won in all categories, It was something magical, unforgettable. Show a little of what we will have for the future.
What are the relationships with rugby union in your country ?
A lot of the League players are from the Union, but we also have American Football players and teams dedicated exclusively to the League, the relationship is friendly and respectful, but they are completely different work proposals.
You would like players to come in France, what is the goal ?
Still talking about the difference of work proposal and vision of the Union and League Confederations. They aim to achieve the high income attracting players from abroad, naturalizing them Brazilians. We want to focus on the national clubs and athletes, we want the Rugby League to be an professional opportunity.
My biggest goal is to have a strong Brazilian Championship and have Brazilian athletes playing semi-professionally and professionally abroad, especially in France.
Is this a goal for you to be part of the 2025 World Cup ?
Honestly, the 2025 World Cup is still a dream. We want to lead the Women’s Team, which has several Rio 2016 Olympic athletes for the 2021 World Cup.
In mens our objectives are won the Latin American of 2019 and play Americas Cup 2020 and the World Cup of Emerging Nations in 2022.
Benjamin Cots