Karina Araújo is a Brasil Rugby League Local Hero

Karina Araújo has played sports since she was 4 years old. Like a proud Brazilian, football was her first love but at university she found other sport and recognised her potential as a rugby player.  It was in 2018 that she found her real opportunity when she tried out for the Brazil Rugby League squad alongside some players that she had admired for many years. 

What else would you do if your area does not have a rugby league team? Simple start your own, recruit the players and enter the national championships. Not only start the team but win the championship. All the effort is paying off, however, as Karina is becoming a key part of the Brazil national team that will participate in the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

Karina summed up the experience and captured her excitement for the future endeavours saying;

"The best thing is playing with girls I have admired in the sport. It is quite an experience and I will never leave  Rugby League after that.

"Today I dedicate myself totally to the League (the way Brazilians describe Rugby League), I have Tamirs, who is the best nutritionist in the State and Brasil by my side, supporting me and making me better. I have Felipe who prepares me physically, and most importantly, I have the girls from Vitória who support me and are with me in the national team, training with them is a joy".