Interview
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Spain
The Spain national rugby union team, nicknamed Los Leones, compete in the Rugby Europe Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup. They’ve featured at the Rugby World Cup once, in 1999.
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World Ranking
Spain are currently 17th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 14th in November 2025.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Spain Matches
Sun 19 Jul, 2026
Sat 7 Nov, 2026
Sat 14 Nov, 2026
Spain Rugby Team Players
Spain Forwards
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Spain Backs
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Spain España Rugby
The history of rugby in Spain dates back to 1901. However, the Spanish national team didn’t play in its first competitive fixture until 1929, when they defeated Italy 9-0.
Throughout most of the 20th century, Spain have regularly played fixtures against their European neighbours, including France, Italy, Romania, West Germany, the Soviet Union and Portugal. Although they’ve regularly fallen short against tier one nations, they have historically recorded wins against top international teams, including Uruguay and Italy.
To date, the team’s greatest achievement was their qualification for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Sadly though, they failed to score a try at the tournament and were comfortably beaten by Scotland, South Africa and Uruguay. Thankfully, they’ll still have an opportunity to correct this, as they’ve qualified for the 2027 edition of the Rugby World Cup.
Today, the Spain national team plays in the Rugby Europe Championship, which is one level below the Six Nations. They’re also scheduled to take part in the inaugural edition of the World Rugby Nations Cup, which launches in 2026. They’re rightfully regarded as a team on the up, and they’ll be looking to cause a shock or two in Australia in 2027.
FAQs
When was the Spain rugby team founded?
The Spain rugby team was founded in 1929. The team played in their first ever international in the same year, when they faced Italy and triumphed 9-0.
What is the Spain rugby team’s biggest win?
The Spanish rugby team’s biggest win came in 1995. They defeated the Czech Republic 90-8 in Madrid.
What is the Spain rugby team’s biggest defeat?
Spain suffered their biggest defeat in 2001. They were beaten 10-92 by Australia in Madrid.
Have Spain ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?
Yes, Spain appeared at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. They exited the competition at the pool stage.
Who is Spain's record appearance maker?
Spain’s record appearance maker is Francisco Puertas. He was capped 93 times by his country between 1984 and 1999.
Who has scored the most tries for Spain?
César Sempere is Spain’s top try-scorer. He crossed the whitewash 31 times while representing his country.
Who has scored the most points for Spain?
Esteban Roqué is Spain’s top point-scorer. He amassed 285 points during his stellar career.
