FOCUS ON SPAIN
A Rugby World Cup in Spain? That’s what the Leones Sare leadership Sare targeting. We’ve got the inside track on the union’s plans
SPAIN IS on the rise, with the U20s earning a spot in the next Junior World Cup, and the men’s and women’s senior teams keeping their spots in the HSBC SVNS Series. The union shows signs of growth and has turned the leaf after one of its worst moments, when the men qualified for World Cup 2023 only to be booted out. It was not the first time.
With the growing success of the emerging nations scene, rumours started to spread of a Spanish bid to host the men’s and women’s World Cups in the 2030s, a rumour now confirmed by federation president Juan Carlos Martín Sánchez. “We have the utmost interest in hosting a Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup in the near future,” he said, “as we believe Spain has the potential to showcase an unbelievable experience to everyone. And 2035 might be the best year to do it, as it will be in continuation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup (Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the majority of the tournament), allowing us to develop the best possible bid. The
Spanish government has shown good signs of supporting the idea and I think we will be able to propose it in November.” The country will host the climax of the 2024 SVNS, with the union having developed a task force exclusively devoted to the Madrid Grand Final weekend on 31 May-2 June.
“It will be our first true test in terms of hosting an event of this size. In partnership with our local government, we have allocated resources and funds to deliver a good time to players, teams and fans. We view sevens as a promising platform to catch new fans and players, and we will consolidate our relationship with World Rugby.”
l CHANGING LEADERSHIP
Since Sánchez’s administration was elected back in July 2022, Spanish rugby has undergone a major change, and hosting a World Cup could prove vital for the future. But what makes Spain the right candidate to host the crown jewel of World Rugby? “Trust. Our strong institutions, tireless work-rate and potential deserve everyone’s trust,” responds Sánchez. “Spain can and is a trustworthy partner for World Rugby and rugby fans, and we can create something unique to the rugby community. The World Cup project is not just essential for the union, it is for the whole country as it will benefit all. “We will need help from our government and from other institutions, such as the Football Club Association, who have the power to provide state-of-the-art stadiums and training infrastructures. We have great weather, cities, structures and a pro
