Spain’s Rugby Ambitions: From Sevens Success to a 2035 World Cup Bid

The Spanish Rugby Federation (FER) isn’t just dreaming of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2035 – it’s actively building a foundation to make that dream a reality. A flurry of strategic moves, including a key appointment and securing high-profile events, signals a determined effort to elevate Spanish rugby onto the global stage. But this isn’t simply about infrastructure; it’s a calculated play to boost the sport’s profile within Spain and demonstrate a compelling case to World Rugby.

Building Momentum: The Mariana Mayo Appointment

The recent hiring of Mariana Mayo as events director is a pivotal step. Mayo’s experience, honed at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee and Spanish sports marketing agency CA Sports, brings a wealth of expertise in large-scale event management. Her previous role as operations director at SevenMila further solidifies her understanding of the sports event landscape. This isn’t just about running tournaments; it’s about delivering flawless experiences that attract fans, sponsors, and positive media attention – all crucial for a successful World Cup bid.

A Packed Calendar: Hosting as a Proof of Concept

Spain is rapidly becoming a key destination for international rugby. Madrid will host the final of the Rugby Europe Championship in 2026, providing a high-profile showcase for the nation’s capabilities. More significantly, Valladolid is set to host a crucial stage of the revamped World Rugby Sevens Series in 2026, determining qualification for the top-tier circuit. This commitment to both 15s and 7s rugby demonstrates a broad-based approach to development and a willingness to invest in all facets of the game. The hosting of the SNVS World Championship event alongside Hong Kong and Bordeaux further cements Spain’s position as a trusted partner for World Rugby.

The 2035 Bid: Leveraging Football Infrastructure

The ambition to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup is no longer a quiet aspiration. FER representatives have already engaged with World Rugby to express their intent. Recognizing the need for world-class facilities, the federation is strategically negotiating with LaLiga, Spain’s top-flight football league, to potentially utilize their stadiums. This is a smart move, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and demonstrate the country’s capacity to handle a tournament of this magnitude. The San Mames stadium in Bilbao, already proven as a successful rugby venue having hosted the EPCR Champions Cup final in 2018 and slated to do so again in 2026, provides a strong precedent.

Beyond the Pitch: Media Rights and Domestic Growth

The recent renewal of the partnership with Movistar, securing broadcasting rights for key domestic competitions through 2028, is another vital component of this strategy. Increased visibility through Movistar+ will drive fan engagement and attract sponsors, creating a more sustainable financial model for the sport. This focus on domestic growth is essential; a thriving local rugby scene is a prerequisite for a successful World Cup bid and a lasting legacy.

The Rise of Spanish Rugby: A European Challenger

Spain’s international performance is also improving. Finishing as runners-up in the 2024-25 European Nations Cup demonstrates the growing competitiveness of the national team. While the Six Nations remains the pinnacle of European rugby, Spain is steadily closing the gap, establishing itself as a genuine challenger. This on-field success further strengthens the case for hosting a World Cup, showcasing the nation’s passion for the sport and its potential to attract a global audience.

The Future of Rugby in Spain: A Long-Term Investment

Spain’s pursuit of the 2035 Rugby World Cup isn’t just about one event; it’s about a long-term investment in the future of the sport. The combination of strategic appointments, securing key events, leveraging existing infrastructure, and fostering domestic growth positions Spain as a serious contender. The success of this bid could have a transformative effect on rugby in Spain, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. The next decade will be crucial, and the FER’s proactive approach suggests they are prepared for the challenge. What impact will increased investment in grassroots rugby programs have on Spain’s ability to compete at the highest level? Only time will tell, but the foundations are being laid for a bright future.

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