By Abbey Cannan
Peregian resident and manager of the Sunshine Coast Falcons U20 team, Robert Burgin, has been named Brazilian team manager for the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Last week Brazil was named for the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in the UK.
“This is the first time a team from Latin America has ever qualified in any Rugby League World Cup,” Robert said.
While Robert has been named manager, he will not be going alone as his Brazilian-born wife Gil Marconi (who works for TAFE at Nambour and Mooloolaba) will also be part of the support staff.
“My wife and I have been working to promote rugby league in Latin America for seven years so far and this is definitely the highlight to date to have the first nation qualify for such a massive tournament,” he said.
“Brazil qualified over the likes of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, USA, Italy and Greece in the women’s tournament and beat fancied local rivals Argentina 48-0 in qualifying.”
Any players or athletes with Brazilian heritage that believe they would be suitable for team selection should contact Robert by emailing robert@sambatimes.com.
“We will be keeping an open mind and although players with rugby league and rugby union experience have the inside running, we know that sprinters, mixed martial artists, handballers, basketballers and other similar sports may have abilities that transfer,” Robert said.
