Spain will host Uruguay, Chile and Samoa November in the Cup of Nations, and Los Leones fans will surely hope for some wins, strong performances and a rise in the standings. While the players based in France will play a key role in helping the team achieve its goals, the work and contribution of the local players will be just as crucial, if not more so.
Head coach Pablo Bouza works every day to give the players from Spain the best chance to reach the top, relying on deep knowledge and experience. Ex Cougars An international and assistant coach, Bouza’s Argentinian background is not unique to Spanish rugby; a handful of current team members hail from there, giving Los Leones an added edge. One is Vicente Boronat, who left his homeland in 2023 and found a new home in Spain.
According to the back rower, rugby is bonding Argentina and Spain are deep and have been crucial to both countries in more ways than one.
“I believe it is a very positive relationship that offers many advantages,” said the 29-year-old.
“Argentina has a strong rugby culture with deep roots and a system that has developed players to compete at a very high level. Likewise, Spain has many people with a strong rugby background. Both countries have a deep passion for the sport.”
In his opinion, the depth of knowledge and high-level experience possessed by coaches such as Pablo Bouza, Raúl Pérez and others is a factor that has helped move Spanish rugby forward.
“They bring the ultimate experience. Playing in World Cups, facing the best national teams and competing in the most demanding leagues gives you a different perspective on the game. That experience shapes the way you prepare for a match, manage key moments, train and make decisions.”
Although the relationship and connection between the two nations deserves to be highlighted and praised, Bouza explains that the exponential growth of the Spanish road system was one of the most valuable cornerstones of Los Leonesa Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification.
“For me, above all, the great work on the field and on the youth track was more important. Although we can highlight that connection, I think we should highlight what we did at the youth level, which helped us qualify for the World Cup.”
Although these countries are separated by thousands of kilometers, they speak essentially the same language: Spanish. For players like Boronat, the absence of that barrier makes mutual understanding much easier.
“Sharing the same language helps, yes. Communication is more direct and you can be clearer and easier to understand. In addition, adapting to everyday life and the dressing room is usually easier. I believe this speeds up the integration process and allows the player to contribute from the very beginning,” repeated the Spanish international.
“However, I don’t think it guarantees success, because adaptability and day-to-day work are also important. But it is certainly a significant advantage.”
As for Bouza, the head coach is quick to point out that while a common language can help, it’s far from the most important factor in a team’s success.
“Sharing a language that is mostly the same helps, as Vicente said, but people have to understand that most of the players born in Argentina who play for Spain have lived here since they were young,” Bouza said.
“At the same time, and despite sharing the same root, it doesn’t mean we understand each other completely, because there are more than a few differences. Spanish rugby uses French rugby terminology, which is not common for Argentines.”
While Spain and Argentina share that special bond, the head coach claims his side want to establish their own identity and style of play based on a desire to showcase a brilliant, crafty attack and a passionate, relentless mindset.
“Argentina and Spain share something, but they have their own identity, which of course is shaped or influenced by who is coaching those teams at the time. Right now we want to play a game that imposes threats everywhere.”
Returning to the Argentina-Spain connection, Agustín Krivi joined Spain’s 2024 camps, sharing his insights into the setup and more, an experience that resonated strongly with Vicente Boronato and his teammates.
“I think Agustín’s involvement at that time contributed a lot. At the same time, the work of our staff, combined with the long-term planning for the Iberians and the high performance program, was excellent. I believe that all this helps us gradually improve and get better every day.”
Bouza’s close relationship with the Pumas made this possible, and for the coach the most important aspect was the mindset Creevy imparted.
“Above all, what I think my players liked most about Agustín Creevy was how simple and direct everything was. He played against All black people a few months earlier and now he was here to share knowledge and ideas. I think these experiences are important for the team.”
The experience gained over the past few years has been important for Spain as it prepares for an intense month of November. After a win, a draw and a defeat in July, Los Leones are focused on keeping the fans happy after another Nations Cup campaign.
“July was a good experience for us. It was difficult; we had to jump from one city to another in North America, but we learned a lot. Now, looking at November, I believe that every team is on equal terms, which is good for the Cup of Nations.”
Boronat, one of the standout performers in July, is confident that the lessons of July will serve the team long before November.
“Honestly, the experience we had up to Samoa and Tonga the tour was spectacular; it wasn’t just about the training – we could chat and talk and that helped us a lot in every way.”
With exactly a year to go until the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, Spain will share the same pool as the Pumas, a pairing Bouza hoped to avoid.
“Argentina means a lot to me, so yes, I didn’t ask for our fates to cross. It’s still far away, so we’re not thinking about it right now. The Cup of Nations and the men’s European Rugby Championship come first. It’s going to be a special game for a few people, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
With so much still ahead and so much yet to happen, Bouza wants to give one thing: a strong-willed Spain capable of fighting for every match until the last second.
“Our goal is to be better and to perform at a high level. Very competitive games await us, and every team wants to be ready to fight for victory until the last game. We want to show who we are and how far we can go.”