The first Brazilian to be involved in the Gallagher High Performance Academy wants to use the experience to help develop other coaches in her country.
Ferreira has faced many challenges during her rugby career, not least taking a squad of just eight players to Brazil’s national championship; but has used them to improve herself, first as a player and now as a coach.
Her introduction to rugby was unconventional. “I was living in Goiania, the capital of a state in central Brazil, when I was approached on the street by players from the city’s rugby club,” Ferreira told World Rugby.
“They said; ‘You’re big. You are going to be a great rugby player’.”
They were correct as Ferreira went on to win international honours with Brazil’s Sevens side, but it is as a coach that she now hopes to make her mark on rugby in her home country, through her participation in the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“I hope to gain more knowledge, maturity and confidence to return and offer a more professional experience to the athletes and other coaches I work with,” she said.
“I hope to be able to discuss dilemmas and challenges; and learn from others’ experiences to accelerate the learning and maturity processes of Brazilian rugby.
“After this, I hope to have opportunities to join the Brazil Rugby staff group and help with the development of other coaches.”
Ferreira is currently head coach of the Sao Paulo Saracens team, as well as backs coach of the Sao Paulo Capital regional side, in the city that is a hot-bed of rugby in Brazil.
“I always imagined myself contributing to sports, but becoming a coach only happened because my team always lost coaches to the Brazilian team,” she said.
“At that moment, I started to help, combining all my experience and a lot of goodwill.”