Portuguese national rugby coach Simon Mannix outlined an optimistic long-term rebuilding strategy for the team this week, prioritizing youth development and fundamental processes over immediate results, despite a challenging World Cup draw.
Mannix, a New Zealander, spoke in a central district near Lisbon, Portugal, following the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. He acknowledged public disappointment with recent performance.
“I understand some people are disappointed with the results, but we have to take care of the processes first,” Mannix stated. “Until those processes are right, there’s no point talking about results.”
He said the team, known as the “Lobos,” is undergoing “complete renewal.” Mannix assured that “slowly, the processes are being corrected.”
The coach expressed confidence the team is moving “in a very good direction.” He pledged hard work and competitiveness whenever they take the field.
Mannix took charge of the national squad about 18 months ago. He described finding “a black hole in terms of planning and renewal” for players. The team lost 10 or 11 players who participated in the 2023 World Cup.
Mannix rejected the idea of finalizing the squad for the 2027 World Cup now. “If I did, I would be betraying Portuguese rugby,” he asserted.
His role, he explained, is to ensure Portugal competes at the highest level. This requires continuously bringing young talent from youth ranks into the senior team.
He suggested proper planning from 2023 could have prevented the current “black hole” in talent identification. Mannix believes combining local talent with players based in France, strong physical preparation, and strategic intelligence will lead to high-level competition by 2027 and beyond, including preparations for 2031.
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia placed Portugal in Group D. Their opponents will be Ireland, Scotland, and Uruguay.
The draw took place in Sydney, Australia, one of the host cities. Portugal is currently ranked 20th globally by World Rugby. Ireland is ranked 4th, Scotland 9th, and Uruguay 14th.
Portugal recently broke a four-match losing streak in November. They secured victories over Hong Kong (58-12) and Canada (33-27).
Prior losses included matches against Spain (42-31) and Romania (21-7) in March. They suffered their heaviest-ever defeat to Ireland (106-7) in July.
A loss to Uruguay (26-8) occurred in November. They also lost to Scotland (59-21) just over a year ago.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is scheduled from October 1 to November 13, 2027.
Other notable groups include defending champions South Africa in Group B. Last edition’s finalists, New Zealand, are in Group A. Other groups involve teams like Argentina, France, and England.