Teaching rugby to underprivileged kids in Brazil

Americas Now

Kids in Sao Paulo Brazil play rugby.

At the 2016 Olympics rugby will be played for the first time since the 1920’s. But in Brazil, the host-nation for the games, rugby is a sport that is relatively new to many, especially kids from the city’s slums.

A former rugby player is now teaching kids from poor neighborhoods the game which usually was only played by rich kids. He is Mauricio Draghi, the founder of “Rugby for Everyone,” and he is this week’s Game Changer on Americas Now.

Traditionally, rugby was only taught and played at elite, private schools. But a decade ago, a former international rugby star introduced the sport to one of Sao Paulo’s poorer communities.

The sport of rugby began in England in the 1820’s. It evolved from the game of football when a player unexpectedly altered the rules. Instead of catching and kicking the ball, he ran with it.

Britain’s Prince Harry is currently the Honorary President of England Rugby 2015. During his recent visits to Brazil he has also played rugby with the nation’s youth.

The men’s and women’s national teams of Brazil automatically qualify for the Olympic rugby competition. The Games open in Rio de Janeiro, on August 5th, 2016.

Teaching rugby to underprivileged kids in Brazil

A former rugby player is now teaching kids from poor neighborhoods the game which usually was only played by rich kids. He is Mauricio Draghi, the founder of “Rugby for Everyone,” and he is this week’s Game Changer on Americas Now.