Guilherme Coghetto, the newly appointed head coach of Brazil's women's national rugby team, the Yaras, is setting his sights on the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup qualification. With the 2025 World Cup already a distant memory, the team is now focused on the future, aiming to increase their competitiveness and overall output. Coghetto, a former Brazil international, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the team's development.
In his role as head coach, Coghetto emphasizes the importance of a high-performance program that addresses the team's needs from 2026 onwards, particularly with their inclusion in the WXV and the desire to qualify for the World Cup. He acknowledges the challenges of the role, extending beyond the field to include nutrition, physiotherapy, and player management.
One of Coghetto's key focuses is the development of a strong youth player pathway, with the 'Nina' project at the forefront. He believes that this initiative will be the backbone of the Yaras, with several former 'Nina' prospects already making their mark on the national team. However, he also stresses the need for improvement in the domestic game to better prepare these talents for the Test-match level.
Coghetto has divided the next four years into two strategic phases: qualification for the 2029 Rugby World Cup and preparation for the World Cup itself. He plans to utilize the most experienced players in the first phase while introducing newcomers in the second. This approach ensures a clear path forward for the team.
The coach's playing style is a key aspect of his vision. He wants to embody the Brazilian spirit, which he describes as creative, dynamic, resilient, and intense. The Yaras, he believes, should play with instinct and improvisation while maintaining strong, durable structures. Coghetto aims to create a team that works hard and also 'jogar bonito' (plays with razzle and dazzle).
As the team prepares for their WXV Global Series Challenger debut, Coghetto's focus is on exposure and progress. He wants the team to experience high-level competition to gauge their current standing and prepare for the World Cup qualification. While success is measured by results, Coghetto emphasizes the importance of progress in various areas, such as scrum, lineout, and ruck exit.
Coghetto's ultimate goal is to help players reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the Yaras. He sees rugby as a central part of his life, having met his wife and started his family through the sport. He is dedicated to giving back to the game and believes in the power of the Yaras to inspire others.
In conclusion, Guilherme Coghetto's leadership and vision for the Yaras are inspiring. His strategic approach, emphasis on youth development, and focus on playing style make him a formidable coach. With the team's WXV debut approaching, Coghetto is confident that the Yaras will make strides towards their ultimate goal of 2029 World Cup qualification.
