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Rugby sevens in Spain seems to be headed in a positive direction with an impending inaugural National Series hosted by the Spanish rugby federation (FER) set to start at the end of this month.

The Spanish government has helped to finance the initiative and the finals on June 26 will be shown on Spanish television. 

As reported by UR7s yesterday Spain won the first leg of this season’s FIRA Sevens competition in Poland last weekend.

The enthusiasm of clubs to be part of the new series has surprised national coach Jose Ignacio Inchausti.
"Making rugby sevens an Olympic sport has created huge excitement," Inchausti told Reuters.

"The commitment from the clubs has exceeded all expectations," he continued, saying 18 of the established clubs in the top two national leagues had entered teams.

The FER see rugby sevens as a chance for greater success internationally than they have enjoyed in the 15-player game.

FER president Alfonso Mandado said: "Rugby sevens fits well with the characteristics of the male and female players we have in Spain, as we showed with the recent runners-up slot achieved by the females in Europe, and the fourth place taken by the men."

Spain's women were second behind England in the European sevens tournament in Hanover last year, while the men were fourth behind champions Russia.

"These kinds of results are harder to achieve in the 15-man code, where the physical difference is much greater," Mandado added.

Spanish rugby players are typically quick, skilful and co-ordinated, but lack the height and power of their northern European rivals.

Sevens gives outlet to Spain

Taller players tend to opt for basketball, Spain's second biggest team sport behind soccer, but rugby sevens offers Spaniards the chance of a more even playing field.

Rugby sevens is also an easier sport to sell to youngsters at school level, where rugby still has a negative image as a contact game. 

"It's hard to convince a young lad at school to turn himself into a beast," Inchausti added. 

Mandado supported the view: "A game involving seven players is an ideal base to help promote rugby in schools," he said.

"The format of rugby sevens tournaments, with many spectacular plays in a short space of time, makes it very attractive for television (as well)."

The Spanish National Series of rugby sevens is being backed up with workshops for players and coaches, training for referees and link-ups with the newly-founded National Rugby Academy.