Twelve Portuguese clubs seize control of Super XV to launch new rugby era

Twelve of Portugal’s top clubs have established a new governing body — the Associação Super XV – Rugby Portugal — and signed a formal protocol with the Federação Portuguesa de Rugby (FPR) on Wednesday, assuming control of the country’s premier men’s 15-a-side competition for the first time in its history.

SL Benfica, GDS Cascais, GD Direito, CF ‘Os Belenenses’, CR São Miguel, Agronomia Rugby, Académica Rugby, CDUP, Técnico Rugby, CDUL, Santarém RC, and CR Setúbal are the founding members of the association. Under the agreement, the new body will be responsible for organising the Super XV season — which runs annually from September to May — as well as developing streaming, broadcasting, and commercial arrangements for the league.

The Portuguese Rugby Union will not relinquish all authority: the FPR retains responsibility for appointing match officials and handling disciplinary matters.

Carlos Amado da Silva, President of the Portuguese Rugby Union, welcomed the agreement and was keen to dispel any notion of internal conflict. “This is the result of a joint effort, but I have to give most of the credit to the clubs,” he said. “It is a more than positive arrangement for all of us. Let it be clear that there were never any disagreements between the Association and the FPR; on the contrary, we encouraged it to happen.”

Luís Filipe Lança de Morais, chairman of the new Super XV association, described the alignment of all twelve clubs as a landmark moment. “For the first time, we have twelve clubs aligned around a common goal, and I think that is very positive — it is historic,” he said. “Together, we will try to enhance the value of this competition by offering a product with greater visibility that will benefit the sport.”

The development comes at a significant moment for Portuguese rugby. The national side, the Lobos, have qualified for their third men’s Rugby World Cup, and the ambition behind the new association reflects a broader push to build a domestic competition worthy of that growing international profile. With commercial and broadcast rights now in the hands of the clubs themselves, the Super XV is positioned to attract greater investment and audiences as Portugal continues its rise on the world stage.