He was the son of the Baron of Rio Branco and Marie Philomène Stevens (a dancer of Belgian origin).

He was the first Brazilian rugby union player of international level, and became a celebrity in France.

Rio Branco was one of the best players for the legendary French team of Stade Français, winning six titles of National Champion, in 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1898 and 1901.

[1] A dual French and Brazilian citizen, he played for France in unofficial matches.

He served as a volunteer at World War I, as a civilian physician for the French-Brazilian hospital, depending from the Red Cross.