Emiliano Caffera takes over the reins of Cobras - sports news foot

The Head Coach of Brazil’s test team has now also taken the reins of Os Cobras. Brasil Rugby have appointed Emiliano Caffera to take charge of the Brazilian competitor in Super Rugby Americas. The Uruguayan will thus be in control of the professional team and the test side. He replaces Josh Reeves.

Caffera has the task of preparing Brazil’s players for the Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Brazil will play in the South American finals in 2025. Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay will compete for the South America 1 qualifying spot at Rugby World Cup 2027.

Os Cobras have a mixed objective: be competitive in Super Rugby Americas and the more important task of pushing more players through the system to raise Brazil’s level.

The new four places at the Men’s Rugby World Cup means that Brazil is closer than ever at realizing the dream of playing at a Rugby World Cup. Caffera was on Chile’s coaching staff for their debut World Cup in 2023 in France.

Caffera was Los Cóndores’ backs coach at Rugby World Cup 2023. He was an assistant to fellow Uruguayan Pablo Lemoine who has signed to remain Chile’s Head Coach for a further four years. Also like Lemoine, Caffera has experience playing at a Rugby World Cup.

Caffera had an eleven year test career as a player. He made his debut for Uruguay at scrum-half against Namibia in 2020. Los Teros were 23-12 winners that day at Carrasco Polo in Montevideo. He was one of twelve debutants involved in the match.

He played at Rugby World Cup 2003. He did so against South Africa and England. His test career concluded with him playing fly half in Uruguay’s home draw against Romania in 2010. It was part of the Rugby World Cup 2011 repechage. Caffera’s test career ended with him having 35 caps.

Super Rugby Americas 2025 will feature seven teams. The American Raptors are no longer involved which means it is now strictly back to being a South American competition. The 2025 season sees expansion within Argentina. The regional powerhouse now have three teams as Los Dogos and Los Pampas are to be joined by debutants Los Tarucas.

Os Cobras will face Los Tarucas in the opening round of Super Rugby Americas 2025. The match will be an away fixture on February 15 in Tucumán, Argentina. Os Cobras will return home to play their first home match one week later. It will be against Chilean side Selknam on February 22.

February 15: Tarucas vs Cobras
February 22: Cobras vs Selknam
March 08: Dogos vs Cobras
March 16: Cobras vs Peñarol
March 29: Cobras vs Yacare
April 04: Pampas vs Cobras
April 04: Selknam vs Cobras
April 26: Cobras vs Dogos
May 03: Cobras vs Pampas
May 12: Peñarol vs Cobras
May 17: Yacare vs Cobras
May 25: Cobras vs Tarucas