Intro
In rugby, there are few stories more inspiring than that of Portugal. Long seen as outsiders, Portugal’s Os Lobos turned heads at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a fearless style of play, an historic victory, and the kind of passion that makes the game so special. For a nation without the financial firepower or infrastructure of the sport’s giants, Portugal’s journey has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
What began as a small but determined rugby community has grown into a movement, one that shows how “minnow nations” are reshaping the global rugby conversation. From their first tentative steps on the international stage to stunning Fiji on rugby’s biggest platform, Portugal’s rise is both a sporting fairytale and a sign of the sport’s future.
In this piece, Rugby Rising takes a closer look at Portugal’s rugby history, the players driving their resurgence, the challenges still ahead, and why Os Lobos are far more than just underdogs.
Portugal’s Rugby History
Rugby in Portugal has always lived in the shadow of football, but its roots run deeper than many realise. The game was first played in Lisbon in the early 20th century, driven by students and expatriates who brought the oval ball across Europe.
For decades, Portugal competed largely on the fringes of European rugby, battling it out in regional competitions against neighbours Spain and the second-tier nations of the north. Their biggest breakthrough came in 2007, when Portugal qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Though they failed to register a win in France, their spirited performances, particularly against Italy, laid the foundation for future generations.
The years that followed were challenging. Portugal slipped out of the spotlight, struggling to maintain momentum in the Rugby Europe Championship and facing funding limitations that stunted grassroots growth. Yet even in the toughest times, Os Lobos kept the flame alive, buoyed by a loyal fan base and a belief that their day would come again.
That day finally arrived in 2023. After a 16-year absence, Portugal returned to the Rugby World Cup with a new generation of players and a bold attacking style. It was the moment the rugby world sat up and took notice.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup Impact
When Portugal returned to the Rugby World Cup in 2023, expectations were modest. Drawn in a group alongside heavyweights like Australia, Wales, Fiji, and Georgia, most pundits assumed Os Lobos would merely make up the numbers. Instead, they became one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
Their first real statement came in the tense 18–18 draw against Georgia. It wasn’t just the scoreline, it was the manner in which Portugal refused to be bullied by one of Europe’s most powerful packs. The result gave them confidence, and it gave fans a glimpse of a side that wasn’t there to be a pushover.
Then came the historic clash with Fiji. Portugal played without fear, moving the ball quickly, challenging defenders, and tackling with ferocity. In a match that electrified the neutral crowd, Os Lobos sealed their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating Fiji 24–23 in one of the upsets of the tournament. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations both on the field and among Portuguese fans around the world, a moment that instantly became part of rugby folklore.
What set Portugal apart wasn’t just the result, but the way they played. Their rugby was joyful, expansive, and brave. Unlike many smaller nations who try to survive by slowing down the game, Portugal embraced a high-tempo, attacking style. They scored tries that wouldn’t look out of place in a Tier 1 highlight reel, showing flair and creativity that captured hearts worldwide.
The impact of that World Cup campaign went far beyond the scoreboard. Overnight, Portugal became the face of rugby’s future outside the traditional powerhouses. Media outlets across Europe hailed them as “the story of the tournament.” Crowds in France adopted them as a second team, cheering every line break and try. World Rugby took notice, too, with calls growing louder for more investment and more fixtures for emerging nations like Portugal.
For Portugal, the Fiji victory was more than just two points in the standings. It was proof that their hard work, resilience, and fearless style had earned them a permanent seat at rugby’s global table. And crucially, it laid the foundation for what comes next.
Key Players Behind the Rise
Behind Portugal’s rise are a group of players whose skill, leadership, and passion have redefined what a so-called “minnow” nation can achieve. While rugby in Portugal doesn’t enjoy the same professional depth as in Tier 1 countries, a number of individuals have emerged as game-changers, both at home and abroad.
Samuel Marques – The General
At the heart of Os Lobos is captain Samuel Marques, the experienced scrum-half whose leadership has been vital on and off the field. With years of experience playing in France’s Top 14 and Pro D2, Marques brought composure and tactical awareness to a young side brimming with ambition. His cool head under pressure, goal-kicking ability, and relentless competitiveness set the standard for the team.
Raffaele Storti – The Finisher
If one player epitomises Portugal’s new era, it is Raffaele Storti. The electric winger has become a highlight-reel regular, combining blistering pace with sharp finishing instincts. Storti’s tries at the 2023 World Cup lit up the tournament and earned him recognition across Europe. Still only in his early twenties, he represents the future of Portuguese rugby, a player capable of holding his own against the best in the world.
Rodrigo Marta – The Playmaker
Alongside Storti, centre Rodrigo Marta has emerged as one of Portugal’s most dangerous attacking weapons. With a balance of power and agility, Marta offers Portugal both defensive solidity and creative spark in midfield. His performances in France’s Pro D2 have sharpened his skills and given Portugal a reliable go-to player when it matters most.
A Generation Abroad
One of Portugal’s strengths lies in the number of players competing in France’s professional leagues. From the Top 14 to Pro D2, these experiences have lifted the standard of the national side, providing exposure to elite training, competition, and rugby culture. Unlike past generations, today’s Portuguese players arrive at test level battle-hardened and ready.
Together, this core group has given Portugal more than just talent, they’ve provided belief. The blend of experience, youth, and European professionalism has transformed Os Lobos into one of the most exciting teams in world rugby outside the traditional giants.
The Os Lobos Identity
Every great rugby nation has an identity, and for Portugal, it begins with their nickname: Os Lobos, “The Wolves.” The wolf is a fitting symbol for a team that plays with ferocity, unity, and relentless determination. On the field, Portugal embody that spirit, hunting as a pack and refusing to back down, no matter the opponent.
What has captured global attention is not just Portugal’s competitiveness, but the style with which they play. Unlike many emerging nations that rely on conservative, defence-heavy tactics, Os Lobos have committed to an expansive, attacking brand of rugby. Their quick handling, fearless counter-attacks, and willingness to run from deep make them one of the most entertaining sides in the international game.
This identity is deeply cultural. Rugby in Portugal remains a minority sport compared to football, but the community that supports it is tight-knit, passionate, and fiercely loyal. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Portuguese fans made their voices heard in France, turning stadiums into seas of red and green, singing, chanting, and pushing their team forward. Neutral fans adopted Portugal as their “second team,” captivated by their joy and courage.
There is also a strong sense of humility and pride among the players. Many juggle rugby careers with studies or semi-professional commitments, making their achievements even more remarkable. Yet, despite those limitations, Os Lobos exude confidence in their identity: a nation unafraid to play their own way, and to play with heart.
In a sport where physical dominance often dictates results, Portugal’s identity is refreshing. They may not always win, but they rarely fail to inspire. And as their fan base grows, Os Lobos are becoming ambassadors not just for Portugal, but for the rise of emerging rugby nations everywhere.
Challenges Still Facing Portugal Rugby
For all the excitement surrounding Portugal’s resurgence, the road ahead is not without obstacles. In many ways, Os Lobos are still punching above their weight, and the long-term sustainability of their rise will depend on overcoming some significant challenges.
Funding and Resources
Unlike Tier 1 nations, Portugal lacks the financial muscle to invest heavily in elite pathways, stadium infrastructure, and professional contracts. Many of the squad juggle rugby with work or studies, while the federation itself relies on limited budgets and external support. Without consistent funding, there is a risk that Portugal’s momentum could stall before reaching its full potential.
Grassroots Development
Rugby remains a minority sport in Portugal, overshadowed by football in schools, media, and public attention. While the World Cup success has sparked interest, the challenge lies in converting that curiosity into long-term participation. Building stronger grassroots systems, from junior clubs to schools programs, is essential if Portugal is to produce a steady pipeline of future internationals.
Player Drain Abroad
While having Portuguese players competing in France’s Top 14 and Pro D2 has raised standards, it also highlights a structural issue. Portugal currently depends on its talent being developed abroad, with limited domestic professional opportunities. This reliance means the national team’s fortunes are tied to the availability and success of players outside their home system.
Competitive Opportunities
The biggest frustration for Portugal, and many other emerging nations, is the lack of regular fixtures against Tier 1 opposition. One-off World Cup appearances aren’t enough to sustain progress. Without consistent high-level competition, development risks plateauing. Calls are growing louder for Portugal to be integrated more closely into elite European competitions, but until then, opportunities remain limited.
The Road to Rugby World Cup 2027
Portugal’s next great test lies in France’s neighbour, Australia, host of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. After their heroics in 2023, expectations will no longer be modest. Instead of being the unknown underdogs, Os Lobos will arrive in 2027 with a target on their backs and the weight of belief from fans worldwide.
The journey begins in the Rugby Europe Championship, where Portugal will battle traditional rivals Georgia, Spain, and Romania for continental supremacy. These matches will serve not only as qualification markers but as vital opportunities to prove they belong consistently at Tier 2 level and beyond.
Qualification for 2027 will demand consistency. Portugal can no longer rely on one-off upsets, they must show they can beat regional rivals regularly, manage squad depth, and continue developing their attacking game plan. Success in Rugby Europe will also strengthen their case for more exposure against Tier 1 opposition, something the rugby world is increasingly calling for.
Individually, the next few years will be pivotal for Portugal’s players. Young stars like Raffaele Storti and Rodrigo Marta are entering their peak years, while the leadership core of Samuel Marques and others must pass the baton to a new generation. If Portugal can balance youth development with overseas experience in France’s leagues, they will arrive in 2027 stronger and deeper than ever before.
For the Portuguese Rugby Federation, the challenge will be building on the surge of interest generated by 2023. More schools programs, better funding, and a push for wider media coverage will be critical in turning a breakthrough moment into a lasting legacy.
Portugal’s roadmap is not easy, but it is clearer than ever: qualify for 2027, compete with confidence, and continue to inspire both their nation and the wider rugby world.
Why Portugal Matters for World Rugby
Portugal’s success is more than a feel-good story, it is a blueprint for rugby’s future. For decades, the sport has struggled to expand beyond its traditional heartlands, with Tier 1 nations dominating resources, exposure, and competition. Yet Portugal’s rise shows what is possible when talent, belief, and opportunity align.
Proof that Emerging Nations Can Compete
The victory over Fiji was not a fluke. It was the product of years of development, international experience, and fearless rugby. By showing that an emerging nation can beat established sides on the world stage, Portugal has inspired other aspiring nations, from Chile to Spain to Kenya, to believe that they too can rise.
A Broader, More Competitive World Cup
For rugby to grow, its flagship tournament must feature more than the same handful of contenders. Portugal’s thrilling performances made the 2023 Rugby World Cup richer, more unpredictable, and more entertaining. Fans love an underdog, and the presence of teams like Portugal ensures the tournament’s narrative is bigger than just Tier 1 rivalries.
New Markets, New Fans
Portugal’s story has also expanded rugby’s reach into new regions. In a country dominated by football, rugby now has a growing foothold, energised by media coverage and grassroots interest. This matters for World Rugby, which is eager to tap into fresh audiences and prove that the sport has a truly global future.
Pressure on the System
Finally, Portugal’s rise adds weight to calls for structural reform. Emerging nations cannot grow if their only exposure to Tier 1 rugby comes once every four years. The performance of Os Lobos makes it harder for governing bodies to ignore the demand for fairer fixture lists, expanded competitions, and more investment in the global game.
In short, Portugal matters because they remind us of rugby’s essence: passion, unpredictability, and the belief that anyone, anywhere, can challenge the established order.
Conclusion
From their humble beginnings to their historic triumph in France, Portugal have proven that rugby’s future is not confined to the sport’s traditional strongholds. Os Lobos have shown that with belief, talent, and fearless rugby, even so-called minnows can rise to challenge the giants.
Their story is one of resilience and ambition: overcoming financial constraints, developing talent abroad, and refusing to let obstacles define them. With players like Samuel Marques, Raffaele Storti, and Rodrigo Marta leading the charge, Portugal head toward Rugby World Cup 2027 not as underdogs, but as respected contenders.
For the wider game, their rise carries an even greater meaning. Portugal remind us why rugby matters, because it is a sport of possibility, where unity and courage can defy the odds. They are not just writing their own chapter, but reshaping the future of world rugby.
At Rugby Rising, we’ll be following every step of that journey, from fixtures and player spotlights to analysis of their biggest challenges and opportunities.
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