This week we journey back to where it all started, in South America, to speak with Victor Ramalho, of Portal do Rugby and matchday caller for ESPN Brazil, in his final days as an ‘outsider’ before commencing a new role within Brasil Rugby. With season 2 of the Superliga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) having just concluded, we get an update on the state of play there in the wake of a season that featured some surprising outcomes, as well as what other progress is being made in places like Peru and Bolivia. We also get a picture on the evolution of women’s rugby (spoiler: it’s a different hierarchy to the males) and the role of multi-sport events such as the Pan-American Games in growing rugby in the region. In the second part of the show, we discuss rugby in Brazil, including the Olympic legacy, the continental dominance of Brazil’s women and the progress of the country’s predominant professional side, Cobras XV. Key Segments [5:30] Intro to Victor, how did he get into rugby and how he built his digital business, Portal do Rugby. [10:45] Victor’s big-picture review of season 2 of SLAR, and what it means for South American Rugby going forward, as well as his vision for the future. [25:00] Peru and the other non-SLAR countries, their place in the landscape, and the role of the Pan-American games in growing and spotlighting rugby. [29:30] The role of 7s rugby in South America and the importance of Olympic funding towards game development. [33:30] Rio 2016: the Olympic legacy in Brazil. [36:30] Women’s rugby in Brazil, going from strength-to-strength and great opportunity to qualify for RWC 2025. [42:30] The story of Brazil’s best women’s team, Melina Rugby Clube. [45:30] Cobras XV, Brazil’s main professional side, their progress in SLAR and the unique challenges of the local structure. [54:45] Brazil in the Rugby World Cup one day? Follow us on Twitter: @OutsideCTRpod Follow us on Instagram: @outsidectrpodcast Connect with us on LinkedIn: “Outside Centre: Rugby’s new territories” Email: outsidecentrepod@outlook.com