Player for CDUL, Lusitanos, and Portugal

Linha de Ensaio had the pleasure of talking with Rafael Simões, learn more about his career and plans for the future.

How old were you when you started playing rugby? How did you start?

I started playing when I was 15 years-old. I practiced several sports when I was younger but none captivated me. At some point my dad tool me to a rugby training session and I never stopped.

What are the main differences between Portuguese rugby then and now?

I think that rugby in Portugal has evolved quite a lot from what it was 15 years ago – it would have been really bad if it hadn’t been this way. I think that clubs are looking to improve the conditions players have and the Rugby Union gave a very important step with the creation of the Rugby TV that I see as an important bridge to attract new sponsors. Consequently, that will attract more investment and allow for Portuguese rugby to grow.

Regarding the National Team, what changed in the last years? Is there a big difference between the current team and the one that used to compete in the Rugby Europe Trophy?

The National Team went through some difficult times, especially when we transitioned form the squad that went to the World Cup in 2007. However, because we have had very strong youth teams in the past 4-5 years, we managed to start performing at the current level which is very important for the Rugby in the country.

What’s your opinion about the last two years? We were out of the World Cup but it seems that we have a last chance to qualify. What are your expectations for this playoff and how are you going to prepare for it?

Looking back, I think that the past two years were extremely positive, even before knowing about World Rugby’s decision about Spain. Personally, I sacrificed a lot but the group was amazing and that’s what we take from it. Regarding the playoff, our expectations are to win it, we don’t have any other chance. I have no idea about the preparation but I’m sure it’ll be very tough ahah.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans changed a little bit as I was planning to play only until the World Cup. With this playoff, things changed a bit. If we manage to go to France, I’ll do that, play for a couple more years and call it a day.

How is your week in terms of preparation? How do you juggle rugby and your job?

My typical week goes like this: Monday – gym + training; Tuesday – gym; Wednesday – traning; Thursday – gym;  Friday – rest; Saturday – match.

Regarding the job side of things, it’s very hard to prepare for international matches as the training sessions are usually mid-morning and mid-afternoon which makes things a lot harder. However, I’m very luck to work for a company whose owners are involved in rugby and they have always supported me.

You’ve also played for the Lusitanos. What’s your opinion about the project?

I think that it was a great decision that our Rugby Union made. It serves as a very important support for the National Team and allows us to play at a higher level than the national championship.

The Lusitanos reached the final of the Rugby Europe Super Cup and lost by only 3 points. How do you look back at that match?

It was a shame about the final score but we left the pitch feeling that we did our duty. We played a much more attractive rugby than them and were never intimidated by the Black Lion (whom half the players play for Georgia). Some moments like the scrum didn’t allow us to go any further but we also learn from those situations and I’m sure that we will come back stronger next year.  

What do you think that it’s missing for Portuguese Rugby to reach the next level?

Ideally, rugby would become a professional sport in Portugal but I think that’s very hard to happen in Portugal. More realistically, it would be great if the matches could be broadcasted on public television so that it could attract more investment. That will only happen if we have more visibility.

Looking back to your career, is there something you’d do different?

I would probably change the fact that I slacked off at some point in my career. That made it very hard to reach my current level. However, you live and learn and it’s all part of my journey. I learned from it.

Linha de Ensaio is a relatively recent project. Is there any area that you think we should be focussing on?

It is a great project and you should be proud of it. We, the players, need to be thankful when projects like this start.