Spain Women’s Rugby XV to face England in Villajoyosa friendly

Villajoyosa / 6 March 2026

Spain’s women’s national rugby union team will play a friendly international match against England in Villajoyosa as part of their preparations for the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship 2026.

The match will take place on Saturday 4 April at 4:00pm at El Pantano Rugby Stadium, where Spain’s team, known as “Las Leonas”, will face the England Women’s Under-21 side.

The Spanish Rugby Federation has outlined the final stage of the season for Las Leonas as they begin their journey towards the European Championship. Their first match in this phase will be on 28 March at El Cantizal Stadium in Las Rozas, where they will take on Belgium.

Before travelling to Portugal and the Netherlands for the European Championship fixtures on 11 and 18 April, the Spanish side will stop in Villajoyosa for this international friendly against England.

The visiting team represents the development pathway of England’s famous Red Roses, the current world champions, and will feature a number of the country’s most promising young players.

The match at El Pantano Stadium will provide an important physical and tactical test for the Spanish side, giving the coaching staff the opportunity to assess the team’s form against one of the leading nations in women’s rugby.

The event is organised in collaboration with Villajoyosa Town Hall and Huesitos Rugby La Vila Club.

Tickets will cost €10, while entry will be free for children. Tickets can be purchased through the club’s website or directly at the stadium.

Mayor Marcos Zaragoza said:
“El Pantano Stadium will once again host an international match for the Spanish women’s rugby team. Villajoyosa is committed to sport, and this event is a unique opportunity to showcase our town beyond our borders.”

He added: “Sports such as rugby are now an integral part of our city strategy. Villajoyosa has outstanding athletes competing at the highest levels, and their success strengthens both our sporting achievements and our identity as a municipality.”

The Councillor for Sports, Peyo Lloret, encouraged fans to attend the match.

“El Pantano will host not only a great sporting event but also a day of leisure and community spirit, once again demonstrating Villajoyosa’s strong support for sport,” he said.

“We are proud that international teams choose our facilities and our town to host events of this kind.”

A spokesperson from the England Rugby women’s pathway programme added:
“Fixtures like this are incredibly important for the development of our young players. Playing away from home against strong international opposition provides valuable experience and helps prepare the next generation of Red Roses for the demands of international rugby.”