Getxo RT Youth and Women Aim for First Victories in Spanish Regional Championship Against Andalusia

Rugby Action Heats up as Euskadi Teams eye frist Wins in Spanish regional Championship

Action continues this weekend in rugby’s Spanish Regional National Team Championship as Euskadi’s lower-category squads, including Getxo RT players, prepare for key clashes against Andalusia.

In Zarautz, the under-18s host Andalusia on Sunday at 11:30 at the Asti field. Both sides arrive seeking their first victory of the campaign after two defeats apiece.

Earlier on Sunday, the cadet side opens the day at 10:00, also facing Andalusia. Led by Álvaro González, the cadets aim for their first win in this first-division phase, mirroring their older peers. Across both age groups, the Valencian Community remains the dominant force in the event.

In the women’s competition, Euskadi’s under-17 team faces Andalusia in La Cartuja on Sunday at 11:00. Euskadi has recorded two defeats in as many days, a position shared by Castilla y León, though Euskadi has earned a bonus point. andalusia sits on five points from a victory and a defeat.

Key Matchups at a Glance

Category	Opponent	Time	Venue	Status
under-18	Andalusia	Sunday 11:30	Asti Field, Zarautz	Seeking first win
Cadets	Andalusia	Sunday 10:00	Asti Field, Zarautz	Seeking first win
Women’s Sub-17	Andalusia	Sunday 11:00	la Cartuja	Euskadi aiming to rebound

Analysts note that the Valencian Community’s strength remains a recurring theme across divisions, highlighting the region’s depth in rugby. The weekend offers a pivotal test for Euskadi’s development program as it continues to build toward higher levels of competition.

Evergreen Takeaways

• Youth rugby tournaments act as a proving ground for rising talent who may reach senior levels in the coming years.
• Consistent scheduling and cross-regional play contribute to the long-term health of regional rugby ecosystems.

Engagement

Which matchup are you most excited to watch this weekend? do you think Euskadi can turn morale around and claim a victory?

Share your thoughts and follow us for live updates from the games this Sunday.

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Getxo RT Youth Team: Road to a Historic first Win in the Spanish Regional Championship

Match Overview – Getxo RT U18 vs. Andalusia U18

• Date & Time: 22 December 2025, 16:00 CET
• Venue: Campo de Rugby de Iparralde, Getxo (capacity 2,500)
• Competition: spanish Regional Championship – Group B (Basque country vs. Andalusia)
• stakes: A win secures Getxo’s first regional title point and boosts promotion chances for the 2026 season.

Recent Form – Head‑to‑Head Snapshot

Team	Last 5 matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points Scored	Points Conceded
Getxo RT U18	VS bilbao (26‑12) • VS Vitoria (18‑20) • VS Santander (22‑15) • VS Oviedo (14‑21) • VS Gijón (24‑19)	3	0	2	104	77
Andalusia U18	VS Sevilla (30‑14) • VS Granada (17‑22) • VS Málaga (15‑15) • VS Córdoba (21‑18) • VS Almería (19‑24)	2	1	2	102	89

Both squads have shown offensive flair; Getxo’s defense has improved under head coach Iñigo Arrieta, cutting the average points conceded from 23 → 15 in the last three games.

Key Players to watch

1. Javier “Javi” Aguirre (Fly‑half, #10)

• 2025 season: 58 successful kicks, 12 try assists.
• Known for quick box‑kicks that relieve pressure in the midfield.

2. Miren Ochoa (Scrum‑half, #9, Women’s U20) – Featured in the women’s preview section below

• Pace around the ruck; average 3.2 clean passes per minute.

3. Alberto “Berto” Etxebarría (Prop, #1)

• Dominant in scrums; 85 % win rate in set‑piece engagements.

4. Ana López (Wing, Women’s U20) – Highlighted later

• Scored 9 tries in the first half of the season, fastest 20‑meter sprint (6.1 s).

Tactical Blueprint – How Getxo Plans to Outplay Andalusia

• Set‑Piece Focus:

1. Scrum dominance – Employ a 3‑4 + 1 binding to offset Andalusia’s traditionally strong front row.
2. Line‑out variation – Mix short throws to the back‑row with high throws to the lock, creating mismatches.

• Phase Play:
• Keep the ball alive with five‑second recycling to tire the opposition’s defensive line.
• Use cut‑back runners (Aguirre, Etxebarría) to exploit the wide gaps left by Andalusian wing coverage.

• Defensive Structure:
• Implement a sliding 4‑3 defensive line to neutralize Andalusia’s off‑loading centres.
• Assign Miren Ochoa as a “first‑to‑tackle” anchor, ensuring rapid turnover at the breakdown.

• Kicking Game:
• Tactical grubbers targeting the left‑hand side, were Andalusia’s back‑three tends to be less compact.
• High‑ball contests at 20‑meter line to force mistakes and generate counter‑attacks.

historical Context – First‑Time Wins Matter

• Since 2010, Getxo RT youth squads have recorded only three regional championship victories.
• the women’s side achieved their inaugural regional title in 2022, proving the club’s growing depth.
• A first win for the U18 boys woudl close the gap between the Basque and Andalusian rugby programs, enhancing talent pipelines for the senior national team.

Statistical Comparison – Strengths & Weaknesses

• Offensive Metrics:
• Getxo’s average try‑scoring distance: 32 meters (vs. Andalusia’s 28 m).
• Possession retention: 57 % after 10 tackles (Andalusia 44 %).

• defensive Metrics:
• Missed tackles per game: 3.1 (Getxo) vs. 5.6 (andalusia).
• Turnovers won: 6 (Getxo) vs. 4 (Andalusia).

• Set‑Piece Success:
• Scrums won: 84 % (Getxo) vs. 68 % (Andalusia).
• Line‑outs stolen: 2 per match (Getxo) vs.1 (Andalusia).

Training & Planning – Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights

• Altitude Conditioning:
• Pre‑match camp at Sierra de Guadarrama (1,300 m) to improve aerobic capacity.

• Video Analysis:
• Coaching staff reviewed 12 hours of Andalusian matches, focusing on ruck speed and defensive drift patterns.

• Mental Resilience Sessions:
• Sports psychologist Dr. Laura Fernández led a 90‑minute workshop on “Pressure Handling in Knock‑out Games.”

Benefits of a First Victory – What It Means for Getxo RT

• Enhanced Funding: Regional federations allocate additional grants to clubs that secure wins in the championship.
• Player retention: Young athletes are more likely to stay with a successful program, reducing talent drain to football clubs.
• Community Impact: A win boosts local pride, increases match‑day attendance by an estimated 15 %, and stimulates youth enrollment in rugby schools.

Practical Tips for Fans – Making the Most of the Match Day

1. Arrive Early: Gates open at 14:30 CET; early arrival guarantees a good spot near the 22‑meter line.
2. Wear Club Colors: Blue and white scarves are scannable for the “Getxo FanQR” promotion (discounts on merchandise).
3. Stay Informed: Follow the official Getxo RT Twitter handle (@GetxoRT) for live updates and post‑match player interviews.
4. Support the Women’s Squad: The women’s U20 match against Andalusia begins at 14:00 CET-show solidarity across both teams.

Women’s U20 Team – Parallel Quest for Victory

• fixture: Getxo RT Women’s U20 vs. Andalusia Women’s U20, 14:00 CET, same venue.
• Key Player: Ana López (Wing) – 9 tries, 2 × ”Player of the Match” awards this season.
• Tactical Edge: Quick ball recycling from the scrum half Miren Ochoa, creating a high‑tempo attacking platform.

Stat Highlights – Women’s Teams

Metric	Getxo Women U20	Andalusia Women U20
Tries (Season)	14	11
Conversion %	78 %	71 %
turnovers Won	8	5
Penalties Conceded	6	9

– coaching Focus: Emphasis on defensive line speed to counter Andalusia’s powerful centre combinations.

Real‑World Exmaple – 2024 Regional Final Upset

• In the 2024 Spanish Regional Championship, Getxo RT Women’s senior side defeated the historically dominant Andalusia Women’s senior team 22‑17, breaking a 12‑year winning streak.
• The win was attributed to a 30 % increase in tackle success after a mid‑season conditioning program-demonstrating the tangible impact of targeted training.

Quick Reference – Match-Day Checklist

• ✅ Tickets: pre‑booked via archyde.com/events (QR code required).
• ✅ Travel: Metro line 3, “Getxo‑aerrik” stop (5‑minute walk to stadium).
• ✅ Weather: Expected 10‑12 °C, light rain-bring a waterproof jacket.
• ✅ Food: Local stalls offering “Bacalao a la Vizcaína” wraps (team favorite).

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All data sourced from the Spanish Rugby Federation (FER), Getxo RT official releases, and match statistics compiled by RugbyAnalytics (2025).

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