IN THE SHADOW OF FOOTBALL: EXPERIENCES WITH RUGBY IN THE TWO FIRST DECADES OF THE 20th CENTURY

Abstract

This study investigates the rugby experiences promoted in the two first decades of the 20^th century in the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro, Recife and São Paulo – where the British had a remarkable presence due to the process of economic diversification. Newspapers and magazines published in the period were used as sources. It discusses the peculiarities of foreign influence in the making of Brazil’s sports field at an important time of its consolidation. It debates how a practice so closely related to British identity was taken over and represented in a country that sought to forge an idea of national culture from readings of manifestations from different countries. It concludes that rugby played an intermediate position between cricket and football. The initiatives were not enough to make that sport popular. In fact, this case allows us to perceive the particularities and limits of the process of cultural transit.