World Rugby Junior World Championship “We are Ready” – Spanish Under 20´s coach Ricardo Martinena

That was the message from the Spanish Under 20´s coach Ricardo Martinena as Spain kick off their World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia this weekend,  in what is likely to be the toughest group.

 

Spain will be up against Australia, France and Fiji (who Spain beat in a 2024 play-out to retain their place last year, who themselves were the reason Scotland were relegated pre-pandemic in 2019) and in a newly expanded 16 team format, it´s another huge test to see how Spain can shape up against Rugby Union´s elite. 

 

“We want the toughest competition possible”- Ricardo Martinena

 

When asked about the group Spain had landed in, Ricardo was bullish. “We want the toughest competition possible. To be as competitive as possible, in every game.” Spain´s emergence as a legitimate force at Junior Championship level over the last few seasons follows on from the contiuing pattern of Spanish players finding themselves in full time environments in France. 

 

Spain find themselves up against last years 4th and 5th best placed sides in the shape of France and Australia respectively. Whilst Fiji return from 2024 which, alongside their ascent into the Nations Championship and access to finacially lucrative and regular Tier 1 internationals, demonstrates World Rugby´s desire to keep one Pacific Island nation out of the growing clutches of the NRL. 

 

When asked what was the primary area of concern against Australia, Ricardo was clear. “Contact. We need to be winning the contact and establishing ourselves in the game.” 

 

The awkward squad

 

 Of the four nations in the competition who are not in the men´s Nations Championship (USA, unloved Georgia, Spain and Uruguay) Spain may offer the best long term growth for the sport.

 

Spain´s growing competitveness at youth level (on a fraction of the funding of other nations) is a clear sign the talent pool is there and although they are barred from meaningful Tier 1 internationals at elite level, the continuing pathway of Spanish players becoming established in the Top 14 means it´s only a matter of time before Spain´s ascent into the upper echelons of the game becomes undeniable.  

 

Featured image used with permission of FER.