With a lot of eagerness.
Apologies for starting this piece with a sentence in Spanish, but there’s simply no other way to convey the sentiment the Rugby World Cup’s initial week and beyond has stirred within us.
Eagerness hints at excitement, but the translation somehow falls short.
Much has transpired since our arrival in England from Spain. A plethora of remarkable instances and occurrences have already unfolded. I haven’t ceased grinning since our landing.
My smile was so persistent on Sunday that I could feel the strain in my cheekbones. Yet, how could I suppress my joy with countless individuals rallying behind Spain during our inaugural match? This was the apex of eight magnificent days, so allow me to recount other moments that made us feel valued.
Let’s begin with last Wednesday. As we strolled through York, a young girl suddenly spotted me and rushed towards me, reaching for my hand. She then exclaimed, ‘Bimba, I’m coming to see you play on Sunday!’ How could one not feel eager?
We often ponder whether our supporters are truly present for us, whether they wholeheartedly back the team, and whether they engage with our interviews, comprehend our message, and acknowledge us. All uncertainties dissipated, not only due to Sunday or that Wednesday encounter, but because of the entire array of wonderful occurrences.
On Saturday, a grand welcome at the York Museum took us by complete surprise. Family, friends, former teammates, and others were there awaiting us. It was immensely meaningful to us. They were present for us.
The entire initial week in York was exceptionally special. Each day felt like Christmas, with a fresh surprise awaiting revelation. We experienced no fatigue after our training sessions. Conversely, the pervasive energy was consistently positive.
It’s been a sequence of emotionally charged moments. Take the team’s formal reception, for instance. We didn’t anticipate the opportunity to speak, but World Rugby and the World Cup committee extended an invitation.
It represented a significant occasion for us, as we needed to seize the chance to share our experiences and positively influence young girls contemplating involvement in our sport.
Alba Vinuesa and I, alongside the rest of our team, composed remarks intended to evoke a reaction from the audience. We were quite anxious, but if we didn’t act then, when would we have another opportunity to share our thoughts on a global platform?
The moment arrived, and my opening words were, ‘¡Hola! ¡Kia Ora! ¡Bula! ¡ Hello!’. We wanted to commence by recognizing the diverse cultures represented in this World Cup. I then elucidated why this World Cup transcends a mere sporting event, serving instead as a catalyst for change and advancement.
I didn’t anticipate any impact from the speech, yet it ultimately resonated. Claudia Peña recorded the entire address, and in the video, someone remarks, ‘Se lo ha sacado’, signifying ‘She nailed it’. I experience goosebumps each time I reflect on that moment, as it deeply resonated with numerous individuals.
That embodies the aspiration of women’s rugby, our World Cup, and our dedication: to disseminate the message that we are present, that we exist, and that we will persist onward. It was a moment of profound significance.
Even the President of World Rugby requested that we share the speech. Again… when might this recur in my lifetime?
That’s precisely why I am relishing every moment of this experience. To remember my origins. To remember why my teammates and I persist even when the path seems nonexistent. To remember our purpose. To remember my beginnings.
I’ve never shared this with anyone, but my continued involvement in rugby was contingent upon receiving a grant as an honorary student at my university. This enabled me to relocate to Madrid, with all expenses covered, as my parents lacked the financial capacity. They had already made extensive sacrifices for our family, and I didn’t wish to impose further.
However, I misrepresented my intentions to my parents, stating that I was pursuing a master’s degree in Madrid, when my sole objective was to play rugby for SANSE.
Without that grant, I wouldn’t be present and able to savor these joyous moments. I aspire for more girls to join our ranks, and I want to demonstrate that they, too, can relish these moments when their opportunity arrives.
The World Cup prompts profound reflection on one’s role within a team, particularly when one is the second-oldest player in the squad. I ponder how I can assist them? What can I do to inspire them, given their significant growth in recent years?
I desire to be present and beneficial to my teammates. They are the essence of everything. They are the Leonas. They are my sisters, my closest confidantes, the ones who assist me in rising when I am down, who celebrate with me when I am ecstatic. That’s why I remain here, and that’s why I have relentlessly worked for the past four years.
For us, the past eight years have revolved around reaching the destination and subsequently savoring the journey. I prefer not to contemplate what lies ahead. I want to laugh with them, tackle a Black Fern alongside Lourdes Alameda, support Claudia Peña as she breaks through against Ireland, and sing the most Spanish songs imaginable with Monica Castelo.
That’s what renders the World Cup exceptional. It is an event that transcends all boundaries. It represents the pinnacle. And one should cherish their time here.
That’s why we engage in numerous team activities, such as our karaoke night. Our World Cup chaperones were unprepared, I assure you! Everyone must sing! Whether it’s me, our team manager, the physiotherapist, or anyone else. Everyone should partake in our pride and engage in some enjoyment and relaxation.
Miguelón [Miguel Velasco], our lineouts coach, consistently stole the show each time he sang! This also forms part of the World Cup. A comprehensive event that encompasses both competitive aspects and team-building experiences.
And we extend the same affection to new team members, such as Annie Poole, my Harlequins team manager, who serves as one of our World Cup chaperones.
It’s akin to having a family member constantly by my side. I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to share this final journey with her. That’s why I created a bracelet inscribed with ‘RWC SPAIN’ using the Harlequins colors for her. She’s an integral part of the team; she’s one of us. For me, those details contribute to a team’s transformation into a genuinely unified group.
However, before I conclude for today, I wish to share my greatest apprehension: the aftermath of the World Cup.
How will I accept the conclusion? How will I cope with the reality that it has ended? Well, those are concerns for another occasion. For now, it’s World Cup time for Bimba.
