Spain claims silver at montevideo rugby series, eyes top tier

Spain's women's rugby team, the 'Leonas,' secured a silver medal at the Montevideo tournament, the second stage of the World Series, virtually guaranteeing their promotion to the top tier for the final three events.

Leonas finish strong despite upsets and extra time thrills

The team’s 18 points in Uruguay propel them to third place overall with 34 points, a mere 10 points behind fifth-placed Brazil, who will battle for a final three spots next week.

Spain started strong against South Africa, capitalizing on a cynical penalty from Ayanda Malinga early in the match. Marta Cantabrana and Carmen Miranda quickly exploited the advantage, with Denisse Gortázar extending the lead to 15-0 by halftime. However, South Africa mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, closing the gap to 15-14 with tries from Nadine Roos and Byrhandre Dolf.

The match went to extra time, and despite a tense finish, South Africa ultimately prevailed 15-10, with Thalia Costa’s speed proving decisive. The team rebounded impressively against Kenya, winning 19-14 after a tight first half.

A decisive 14-12 victory against Argentina on Sunday set the stage for the final match against China, which Spain won 19-12, fueled by a brace from María Calvo and a late try from Ana Cortés. The tournament’s conclusion in Estadio Charrúa underscores the growing competitiveness of women's rugby on the global stage. The Lions’ performance suggests a bright future, one built on resilience and tactical adaptability.

The team’s consistent performance throughout the tournament signals a level of maturity that few teams possess at this stage of development. Spain is poised to compete at the highest level, a testament to the dedication and skill of its players.