Ige da Ros named Brazil Women's Sevens head coach as Crystal Kaua departs after contract dispute

Former Brazil international Ige da Ros has been appointed Brazil Women’s Sevens head coach after the Brazilian Rugby Confederation chose not to renew Crystal Kaua’s contract, ending the New Zealander’s two-year tenure with the Yaras programme.

Kaua, the first woman to coach the Brazil Women’s Sevens side, joined in 2024 and guided the team to a ninth-place finish at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in 2026 — a result she noted was achieved in consecutive years. Her tenure also featured a landmark HSBC SVNS 2 victory on home soil in São Paulo earlier in 2026, which secured Brazil’s place at the SVNS World Championship.

“We came to Brazil with a very clear goal — to take the Yaras to the Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Kaua said. “I would have loved the opportunity to continue and complete that journey, but unfortunately, my contract could not be renewed. I am incredibly proud of what we built together. We finished ninth in the world for two consecutive years while bringing ten new athletes into the team.”

Da Ros, who holds the record for the most men’s XVs appearances for Brazil, transitions into the head coaching role having spent the past four seasons as an assistant within the Yaras programme across both XVs and sevens. He takes charge immediately, with the Sudamérica Rugby Sevens scheduled later this month.

Alexandre Chiofetti, CEO of the Brazilian Rugby Confederation, paid tribute to Kaua’s contribution while signalling confidence in the new appointment. “Crystal was the first woman to lead the Yaras, which was an important milestone in the development of Brazilian women’s rugby,” he said. “On the field, we experienced historic moments. We defeated Australia, lifted a title at home, developed new athletes, and the talent that exists in our country was showcased to the world.”

Chiofetti added that Kaua’s work had helped Brazilian players earn opportunities in major leagues around the world, underlining the broader legacy of her spell in charge.

Da Ros inherits a squad Kaua described as still short of its full potential, with Olympic qualification for Los Angeles remaining the programme’s stated long-term ambition.