“After so many years of work, such a long project and such a good campaign, being recognised in the most important way in our country is a source of pride, without a doubt”, confessed the captain of the Wolves.

“The vast majority of this team are amateurs, the players have other professions, but, if we want to continue competing against the best in the world and moving up on these stages, the path is professionalisation. We are not talking about a professionalisation of the national team, but at the club level, because, if we do not broaden the base and the base is not solid, it will be impossible.

Despite recognising that the historic participation of the 'wolves' in the World Cup “was the necessary click”, and believing in a “big 'boom' now in Portugal, where many kids will start playing rugby”, the athlete remembers that “it's a long process that will take time to reap the rewards.”

“But, the truth is that support can start now and this growth must also start now”, added Appleton, defending the creation of “a professional championship, professional players, with professional contracts and exclusive dedication to rugby” for the panorama to change.