Rugby in Spain is undergoing a period of transformation and expansion under the leadership of the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER). Founded in 1922, the RFER is the cornerstone of the development of this sport in our country, managing not only national regulations and competitions, but also the dreams of thousands of players who aspire to wear the national team jersey.
The identity of Spanish rugby is defined by its national teams: Los Leones and Las Leonas, both in the XV and Olympic 7s formats. Currently, the country is breathing new life into the sport after confirming the return of the men's team to the World Cup (Australia 2027) after a 28-year absence. This milestone is the result of structured work that combines national talent with players who compete in the most demanding leagues in the world. For its part, women's rugby continues to be a benchmark of success and consistency, with a XV team that also competed in the 2026 World Cup in England.
The RFER oversees a solid competitive structure, headed by the División de Honor and the Iberdrola League, but its most crucial work lies at the grassroots level. Through collaboration with regional federations and clubs, it fosters an ecosystem where the values of respect, integrity, passion, and discipline are as important as the score on the scoreboard. Rugby in Spain is seen as an educational and social tool, where the “third half” symbolizes the brotherhood that defines the sport.
In addition, Spain has established itself as a strategic venue for international rugby. Events such as the Rugby Europe Championship finals in Madrid and Leganés, or the World Series finals in Valladolid (the top annual competition in the Olympic sport) demonstrate the Federation's organizational capacity and the passion of a fan base that is filling more and more stadiums.
In short, Spanish rugby is not only growing in terms of licenses and victories, but also in terms of its own identity, which combines historical determination with an ambitious and professional vision for the future.
Spanish Rugby Federation
