Spain, the Rugby Leones

Leones between exploits and disillusionments

Known as the Leones, the Spanish team competes in the Rugby Europe Championship, the top European level after the Six Nations Tournament, facing Georgia, Portugal, and Romania. For more than a quarter of a century, their only World Cup appearance has been that of 1999: placed in the group with Scotland and South Africa, they played their matches in Galashiels and at Murrayfield. Qualified on the pitch for 2019 and then for 2023, they lost both spots for fielding ineligible players. In 2025, a large win in Switzerland finally secures their place for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The other nations

The nations from the rest of the world can also be listed:

• All Blacks.
• South Africa.
• Argentina.
• Australia.

All the nations are gathered on the rest of the world page.

Valladolid, Madrid and Sevens Rugby

The Spanish Rugby Federation, founded in 1923 and based in Madrid, organises the División de Honor, the elite of clubs. Valladolid is its stronghold: the VRAC Quesos Entrepinares and El Salvador, its two rival clubs, often compete for the title in a highly followed derby. Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country, where the proximity to the South-West of France has nurtured the oval ball culture, complete the map. Sevens rugby also holds a special place: the men's and women's teams, the Leonas, secured their spots for the Rio Olympics in 2016, when the discipline returned to the Olympic programme.

The red and yellow ball of the Leones

The Spanish rugby ball takes on the red and yellow of the flag, displaying support for the Leones during training and in the garden. It is chosen based on age: the size five, used in official matches, is suitable from around fourteen years old, size four for children aged ten to fourteen, and size three for the youngest. Before each session, the pressure is checked with a gauge, as a ball that is too soft can affect the accuracy of passes and kicking. After use, a quick wipe removes dirt and grass, then it is stored out of the sun, which can dry out the covering and fade the colours.

Bargains

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a consistent order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Spain denied participation in the 2023 World Cup?

Qualified on the pitch, Spain was sanctioned by World Rugby for fielding an ineligible player, whose case was based on a falsified passport. Romania took their place in the tournament.

Will Spain play in the 2027 World Cup?

Yes. The Leones confirmed their qualification in 2025, with their victory in Switzerland during the Rugby Europe Championship. This will be their second World Cup, the first since 1999.

Why is the Spanish team called the Leones?

Leones means lions in Spanish. The women's team carries the same nickname in feminine form, the Leonas, and both teams make it a symbol of fighting spirit in a country focused on football.

What results did Spain achieve in 1999?

In their first World Cup, Spain lost to Uruguay in Galashiels, then to South Africa and Scotland at Murrayfield. Their kicker Kovalenco scored five penalties against the Uruguayans.

Who are the Leonas?

The Leonas form the women's team of Spain, one of the top European nations behind those in the Six Nations Tournament. They have competed in several World Cups and the Olympic Sevens tournament in Rio in 2016.