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Three Brazilian players are on their way to European clubs. The trio of Cléber Dias, Leonel Moreno and Matheus Rocha are joining teams in Portugal and Spain. All three are established members of Brazil’s test team and all featured in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) for Os Lobos Brasil XV.
The 26-year-old Cléber Dias will play in Portugal for Técnico. Widely known by nis nickname Gelado, Días has been a mainstay for Brazil’s pack. Gelado has over 30 test caps with starts at both flanker and in the second-row.
Many of Días’ test caps have come with Matheus Rocha also in the starting lineup. Rocha is also well-known by the nickname Blade. The tight-head prop had a solid season for Os Cobras. He will also be continuing his career in Portugal. He joins Cdul.
The third player departing Os Cobras is also a forward; and like Blade, he is also a prop. Leonel Moreno is joining Spanish side Gernika. Moreno, Días and Rocha are all expected to be back playing for Os Tupis when capped rugby resumes. In moving to Europe, their involvement in the upcoming Americas Pacific Challenge is very unlikely.
The three follow the prior departures of two other Cobras’ players. Tight head prop Jardel Vettorato retirement and Caique Silva moved on to join St Dennis.
Additional player movement is set to follow. Moisés Duque is also Portugal-bound and Joshua Reeves is on his way to play in the amateur leagues in Ireland. Rugby competitions were suspended in Brazil this year.
