The year 2025 brought about a freshly designed structure for the HSBC SVNS landscape. While the leading eight squads from both the men’s and women’s categories secured their positions in the premier SVNS Series, the other competitors were relegated to the lower divisions.
Among the nations forced to battle for a return to the elite tier was Spain. Although this setback could have spelled defeat for some, for Las Leonas 7s, it represented the start of an entirely new chapter.
Guided by the strategic vision of head coach María Ribera, the Spanish squad initiated their gradual climb, eventually booking their ticket to the HSBC SVNS World Championship by finishing among the top four sides in HSBC SVNS 2.
Through their performances in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, the squad gathered the necessary points to reclaim their spot in the prestigious SVNS Series. Meanwhile, teams like Brazil, Argentina, Great Britain, and South Africa failed to qualify.
Reflecting on how they reversed their fortunes after a difficult and discouraging period, Ribera discusses the initial measures the coaching staff implemented when she assumed leadership in 2024.
“Our primary objective was to inspire the squad with the dream of making it to the upcoming Summer Olympic Games [LA28]. We aimed to restore their sense of enjoyment while simultaneously fostering a drive to compete at the highest level. Blending that enthusiasm with high expectations was the key to paving our way ahead.”
Even though the 2025 season concluded on a low note with their demotion from the main SVNS Series, Ribera views that experience as a crucial milestone for their long-term development.
“Throughout 2025, we navigated the SVNS with eight debutants who were entirely new to this standard of rugby. On top of that, we had to cope without several of our prominent athletes who were committed to the fifteen-a-side format.”
For the ex-international who represented Spain in both sevens and XVs, rebuilding the collective identity was essential to guiding the roster toward successful outcomes.
“Our core philosophy dictates that the collective always takes precedence over any single player. At the same time, we must nurture the individual, because it is their unique contribution that helps the group reach its peak. Therefore, to achieve collective success, everyone must perform equally. They are completely interdependent.”
Once these fundamentals were established, Ribera and her coaches set out to design a system of play that aligned more effectively with the players’ physical attributes and technical skills.
“Our on-field style clearly demonstrates our resolve and unwavering commitment to raising our standards. We encourage the team to bring maximum pace to every possession while constantly reading the field. It is vital that we capitalize on our chances and aim to cross the try line right from the set piece when possible.”
However, their journey back to the elite level was fraught with obstacles, requiring them to navigate the highly competitive landscape of SVNS 2 before earning the right to compete against heavyweights like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France once more.
Despite working with a roster that averaged just 23 years of age, Ribera remained undaunted by the challenges ahead, as the coach notes.
“We dedicated countless hours of intense preparation to secure our return to SVNS 1, unsure of our ultimate potential given how youthful our group was. Recognizing the critical importance of the tournament in Hong Kong, we committed ourselves fully to elevating our performance beyond what we showed in Nairobi or Montevideo.”
Though they fielded the youngest lineup out of all sixteen competing nations in the women’s SVNS season, Ribera remained completely confident in her players’ capability to reach the highest heights.
“There were eight players in our group under 21, including five who earned their first SVNS caps: Carlota Caicoya, Arancha Leotte Montero, Ametsa Ulibarri, Martina Serrano, and Ana Cortés. Additionally, our roster features multiple athletes who claimed the U18 Rugby Europe Championship in 2025, highlighting our youth. Despite their age, they possess incredible drive, talent, and work ethic.”
From their triumph over Argentina in Hong Kong to sealing their promotion with an outstanding performance against Great Britain, Spain’s campaign was filled with unforgettable highlights, as the head coach points out.
“Selecting just one highlight from our 2026 season is difficult because the entire run was filled with so many special achievements,” remarked the 38-year-old mentor.
“We gave formidable opponents like Canada, the USA, and Australia a tough run, secured crucial victories against Argentina and Great Britain, and consistently kept ourselves in contention with the top tier. Each time we progressed to the Cup rounds, we celebrated thoroughly, knowing that was the standard we sought to establish.”
To her, Spain’s ability to challenge for a place among the top eight competitors at every tournament serves as a clear indicator of the program’s upward trajectory.
“It goes without saying how demanding it is to reach the Cup quarter-finals repeatedly in the SVNS, particularly when climbing up from the lower division. Achieving this was the foundation of the exciting project we are developing. The journey ahead will be demanding, but we are determined to leave our mark.”
With a two-month break remaining before Spain returns to SVNS action, Ribera outlines the dual principles that have guided their campaign: dedication and stability.
“Establishing stability is vital. With a consistent, well-founded system, we can target the highest honours and push for the podium. The coming year will show us whether we are narrowing the gap to the goals we established back in 2024.”
Reflecting their growing cohesion, every squad member stepped up and delivered, highlighting the effectiveness of the team philosophy brought in by Ribera and her colleagues. This widespread excellence left the head coach unable to single out a sole standout player for the year.
“It is simply not possible to select a single top performer, as every athlete made an immense contribution to Las Leonas 7s. Across our invitational matches and the various rounds of SVNS 1 and 2, the team selected a different player for the MVP award each time, which speaks volumes about the depth of our talent.”
Having worn the Spanish jersey for almost twenty years and competed in Olympic Games, Sevens World Cups, and the World Series, Ribera admits just how much this current group has moved and inspired her.
“I am fortunate to lead an incredible group. They have developed and matured at an astonishing rate. From my perspective, guiding a developing squad that constantly breaks through barriers is far more rewarding than managing a side that has already reached its ceiling. I would choose a resilient Fiat Punto that surprises everyone over a Ferrari that has already reached its limit.”
Ultimately, Ribera attributes their return to the elite tier of international sevens to the collaborative spirit and combined hard work of the entire organization.
“The squad placed their faith in our vision and gave everything they had. While we provide the guidance, they are the ones who executed and delivered these achievements on the field. My support staff—from management to medical personnel—worked tirelessly throughout this campaign. Their dedication is the reason we are back in SVNS 1.”
However, where some would be satisfied with Spain’s accomplishments in 2026, Ribera treats their promotion back to the main stage as merely the opening step of a much larger mission.
“If I believed this was our peak, I would have already stepped down from my position,” the head coach stated with conviction.
“Our objective has always been to compete with the very best. That was the mentality my teammates and I shared when we played for Spain years ago, and it is the same drive I seek to instill in this generation.
“While I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished in 2026, those moments are now behind us. We remain deeply ambitious, and we will keep striving to break new ground.”
