Portuguese pathfinder Vieira quits Italy for Rotherham

IT’S A brave decision to swap the sunshine of the Portuguese coast for industrial South Yorkshire, but that’s the choice of Rotherham Titans’ new scrumhalf, 23-year-old Francisco Vieira from Porto.

Capped by his country in 2015, Vieira, who joins from Italian side ASD Gran Sasso, is one of several overseas players at Rotherham for the new season’s campaign but the first from a country without a traditional rugby background.

Vieira is well travelled having appeared for Portugal in Sevens tournaments in Cape Town, Dubai, Kenya, Lyon and Paris between 2015 and this year.

With only two No.9s at Rotherham – first choice is another new signingRhodri Davies from Llandovery – Vieira is likely to make his Championship debut as a replacement against Nottingham in the opening game in two weeks.

Vieira said: “When I was given the opportunity to come to Rotherham, I said yes immediately. The club have a strong history in the Championship and also a reputation for developing players.

“And with just two No.9s here at the minute, I’ll get my chance at some point.

“I’ve had a warm welcome from the fans who’ve helped me find a house and things to put in it. The atmosphere in the squad is amazing and the bond we’ve developed will show itself on the pitch.”

Vieira is hoping to help his country progress up the world rugby rankings but says help is needed from the national union.

He added: “In Portugal, there are three divisions: Ten clubs in the top two leagues and 14 in the third. We also have a Sevens tournament for emerging clubs.

“At the most, players have semi-professional contracts. You don’t have any professional teams.

“Rugby is growing but it’s not that popular in schools – that’s something that the Portugal RFU are working on.

“Portugal are trying to get back into the Six Nations B competition. We were relegated last season and now play the likes of Ukraine, Poland, Switzerland and Holland.

“Rugby in Portugal boomed after we reached the World Cup in 2007. Now it is stabilising but I feel it will get better soon.”