'We can do beautiful things': Yaras promise to deliver at WXV Global Series Challenger

One year after savouring their first Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance, Brazil are bound to feature in their first WXV Global Challenger Series, with the South American nation scheduled to face Hong Kong China, the Netherlands and Spain.

Now under the management of Guilherme Coghetto, the Yaras desire for much more than to raise their hand and say ‘here’, as they seek to impress fans and nail a win or two.

With the tournament hosts, Hong Kong China, opening the curtain for Brazil, loose forward Milena Mariano reveals what the team expects to achieve on Sunday.

“We want to start things well, as we are facing the home team, Hong Kong China. We are expecting a tough game with packed stands. We want to deliver a strong performance by showcasing our powerful scrum, our trustworthy lineout, and our ability to win the gain-line. We want to play the Yaras way and surprise fans.”

However, for Mariano, being in Hong Kong China, represents more than just the opportunity to play for Brazil; it is also a chance to be part of the Yaras again. The back-rower ruptured her ACL at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and had to overcome two injury-hit years on the sidelines to be back to her top form.

“I had to watch the World Cup from the sidelines as I was injured, and I still had the time of my life supporting my teammates. What they did one year ago was nothing short of amazing. But now we are focused on the present, and that’s the WXV!”

Looking at the past, present, and future, the legendary Raquel Kochhann will once again take the field to help the Yaras, with the experienced fly-half ready to continue the team’s growth following their participation in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

“Although we aren’t the same team as we were one year ago, we have kept our core group of players and have got several reinforcements! We have greatly evolved in the past year, and I am certain we will show that to the WXV fandom.”

Brazil has made stunning progress in the last five months, claiming wins over USA Falcons and South Africa ‘A’, with Kochhann explaining the mindset instilled in the Yaras.

“We have two core words that we repeat between ourselves, which are ‘alegria’ and ‘ousadia’, meaning ‘joyfulness’ and ‘ambition’. That’s what we, as Yaras, aim to accomplish this September.”

Mariano highlights that the special ambition is one of the driving forces behind the team’s growth, as after tasting their first Women’s Rugby World Cup experience, they are looking for much more.

“The World Cup was just the beginning. The Yaras are just starting, and we have so much to give. Our goal isn’t the WXV but the next four years as we want to qualify for Australia 2029. Believe in us; we can do great things.”

Both Mariano and Kochhann have been relishing the chance to experience the excitement of the WXV Global Challenger Series for the first time, with the veteran utility back reflecting on what the tournament means to her.

“I feel humbled and honoured to be here, to keep living my dream, playing for my country and helping my teammates. I want to help however I can, no matter the role,” said Kochhann.

“I am very happy to be here and having the chance to tackle, offload, run with the ball as a member of the Yaras. I was injured for the last two years, so being here and living all of this means the world to me,” echoed Mariano.

But is Brazil ready to take the next step in their growth? For Mariano, despite the tough opposition on their way, she is confident that the team will show what they can do.

“I am sure we can do beautiful things in these next three weeks. We will be facing strong opposition as we are playing against Hong Kong China, Netherlands and Spain, but we are here to compete and show what we can do.”

With Brazil preparing for what promises to be an electric three-week tournament, Kochhann is clear about the team’s goals.

“Our goals are simple: to play as a team and to showcase the very best of Brazilian rugby. We want to tackle hard and to show everyone our way of playing the game with our ‘gingada’ when we are on attack.”