The 19 years old from São Paulo Luiz Rodrigo experiences a unique opportunity in his short career as a rugby player. Player of the adult staff of Band-Saracens, Rodrigo was selected to participate in the exchange program between Saracens FC and Band-Saracens, partner clubs since December 2013. After leaving for England on 11 August, the young athlete closes on Saturday (29) the trial period at the Saracens Training Center.
“I had no idea what I would find here in England, but knew this would be one of my best experiences in life. And so it’s being. It’s not every day we have the opportunity to interact with professional players of a top-tier club in Europe,” says Rodrigo. “What helped me a lot to be part of this were the praise of Saracens trainers, who visited our club early this year,” he adds.
Rodrigo Luiz met rugby in a social project organized by Bandeirantes when he was 15, the “Pequeninos do Joquei”. “A friend of mine was training there and one day invited me to attend a training. At the end of the day, everyone called me to know better the rugby and I was very curious. I decided to go on a Wednesday and I was invited to go to Bandeirantes in Saturday when I had my first game. That was enough to fall in love for the sport,” he remembers.
Despite playing rugby for just over four years, the player already has a carreer to be proud of. With 17 he joined the Brazilian sub 19 team, in addition to being the captain of Bandeirantes at the time. Last year was his debut in the first team of Bandeirantes, in the Paulista Championship, and also competed in the National Championship.
Going to England was not the first international experience of Rodrigo. “The first output of the country was for Portugal, with the club. I had just turned 16 and was an unforgettable experience. I’ve created a very strong friendship with my teammates, I want to take the rest of my life” recalls. “The other time was to Uruguay. I and two athletes Band, Gudem and Arlindo, we were invited by the Pasteur to play Valentine. Another unforgettable experience provided by rugby. Many other friends taken forever,” he concludes.
Word of the president – Joaquim Gabriel Mina, president of Band-Saracens, praises the player and also explains the selection process to participate in the exchange. “Rodrigo is a great person, who has been developing his skills through social project Saracens Bandeirantes. As a player, there is the will power, mobility and dexterity to catch the ball in the rucks,” said Mina.
“The selection process is anchored by age as well as the necessary qualities on and off the field to represent the colors of the club. At the time of choice, selected three athletes, and Rodrigo stood out the club of time, technical and dedication, “said the president. “It is noteworthy that the opportunity to conduct a test on the Saracens Academy is a great chance to be considered on the international stage and, more importantly, it is the dream of the boys club, with hopes of one day playing, or at least participate in the training in this partnership between Bandeirantes and Saracens FC,” he concludes.
Project started in 2014 – The project for the exchange of young players between Saracens FC and Band-Saracens began in July 2014, when the number 8 Gabriel Paganini spent a month in the same training center in St. Albans, 35 km north of London. “I talked to Gabriel and that helped me a lot. He told me how was the routine, workouts, level of play, among other important information,” thank Rodrigo.
