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Spain have a tough task ahead of them if they want to triumph at this weekend’s Euro Sevens finals.

But some early season wins and an increasing passion for the rugby sevens in a football-mad country, means the future is bright for 'El VII del Leon'.

UR7s spoke to Spanish national team Manager, Enrique Roldán Fernández, to learn more.

Hola Enrique! How has training been for Spain leading up to this weekend’s FIRA Sevens finals?

We’ve prepared very well in the Spanish Sports Centre. The team have worked very hard for these very important finals and are ready.

And you have played some tournaments to prepare for this?

Yes we won the first two legs of the FIRA championships (Denmark & Poland) which gave us good confidence that we can really make progress for Saturday and Sunday.

And you also played in the West Country Sevens in the UK?

Yes there aren’t that many competitive events in Spain yet so it was helpful for us and we won the Open event. The organization of the event was very good.

Would you like to be a guest team on the National Series next time?

I believe we are the right standard to be on the main Series and we hope to be involved in the future. The standard looked very strong.

Who are the big teams to watch out for in Russia this weekend?

The favourites will be between Portugal, Russia, France and Italy in all probability. I believe we can make the finals though and of course win it!

You will meet France in Pool B. Could be a tough game for you?

All the games are very important in Moscow. In sevens with every match you have to concentrate 100%. We will be focused step by step.

France are a very good team of course but don´t forget the other sides in our group (Ukraine, Romania, The Netherlands and Lithuania), who all can play!

Cesar Sempere and captain Facundo Lavino are important players for you?

Yes they are but we can’t think like individuals. Our strongest players are the ‘team’. All of them will be important for us winning.

Sevens seems to getting popular in Spain especially with the new FER National Sevens?

Yes slowly we are beginning to make progress attracting the sport in Spain. It’s difficult though. Let’s just hope the good results start to arrive also.

Will sevens be more of a priority than the 15-a-side game?

Not at the moment to be honest. But I think the two games, although very different, can be used together. Players can develop their rugby with a combination of both forms.

Would you like more chances to play on the IRB Sevens World Series?

Yes, that has to be one of our priorities to really improve. We really want to play more IRB Sevens rugby and learn against the very best. I just hope the IRB agree!

Could be a perfect weekend for you. Spain winning the FIRA Seven and FIFA World Cup?

Let’s hope so!

Best of luck to you guys in Russia.

Thanks UR7s.