Brasil Rugby have confirmed an international match for August, 2026. The national Men’s test team will face The Classics NZ at Arena Pacaembu in São Paulo on August 29. The New Zealand team will consist of a variety of players including former All Blacks and New Zealand internationals.
The match comes eight years after Brazil played host to the Māori All Blacks in 2018. That match was also played in São Paulo and recorded an attendance of 34,451. The Māori All Blacks won that day 35-03.
In announcing the 2026 fixture Alexandre Chiofetti, CEO of Brasil Rugby commented:
“In 2018, Brazilian fans experienced rugby at its highest level, and that moment had a lasting impact on our community. “Seeing elite New Zealand players up close helped people understand what rugby can be, both on and off the field, and it played an important role in growing the game in Brazil.”
“Our goal is to ignite passion for rugby and show why this sport is so powerful. Rugby is more than a game — it’s a way of life. Hosting an event of this magnitude at Pacaembu, featuring The Classics NZ and former All Blacks, allows us to reach a broader audience and showcase the true potential of rugby in Brazil.”
The announcement came while Os Cobras were training at the Arena Pacaembu. Brazil’s professional rugby team is preparing for Super Rugby Americas (SRA) 2026. The eight team South American league will begin in February. Os Cobras will play home matches at Estádio do Nacional in São Paulo.
