The CSD hosts the farewell ceremony of the Lions before the World Cup in England

Madrid, August 11, 2025.- The headquarters of the Superior Sports Council (CSD) was this Monday the stage for the official presentation of the list of 32 players who will represent Spain in the XV Rugby World Cup in England.

The Leonas are preparing to debut on August 24 against the New Zealand power, in which it will be their seventh World Cup.

The event, full of emotion and symbolism, brought together outstanding sports personalities and players who will defend the colors of the selection. The presidential table was attended by Beatriz Vesperinas, deputy general director of Women and Sport of the CSD, Juan Carlos Martín, president of the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation and Elena Vallejo, representing the board of directors of the federative body. As a reflection of the legacy of women’s rugby, former players Paloma Loza, Rosi Vega and Alicia Yubero attended. Finally, the national coach, Juan González Morocco, who accompanied the entire team, was present.

Juan Carlos Martín was in charge of the institutional opening, in which he emphasized “enjoying the prize for a long way of work and effort, and the exceptional ability to compete in a women’s World Cup that will clearly be the best in history”. After him, Elena Vallejo, vice-president of women’s rugby of the RFER, took the floor, highlighting the importance of this moment, describing it as a milestone for Spanish rugby and underlining “the legacy that these 32 players continue to build, which will lead to greater participation of girls in schools that will want to look at their referents”.

“This World Cup is more than a competition, it is the opportunity to consolidate the work of generations,” he said. “It is the occasion for ‘Las Leonas’ to write a new chapter in the history of Spanish rugby and serve as inspiration to thousands of players who dream of one day wearing this shirt”.

The national coach, Juan González Morocco, was in charge of revealing the list of 32 players, whom he “congratulated for all the work done that has led to their participation in the World Cup. “Undoubtedly, this World Cup should serve not only to put Las Leonas back in the elite, but to show an entire country our character, commitment and commitment. A Selection that performs and fights every minute on the pitch, and of which hopefully in this great competition many people can feel represented and proud”

After that, Juan was in charge of revealing the list, which includes 4 players who already participated 8 years ago in the World Cup in Ireland 2017: Anne Fernandez de Corres, Laura Delgado, Mónica Castelo and Lourdes Alameda, who arrives as the most experienced in these requirements having also been part of the squad that played the World Cup of France 2014.

The list is completed with Gemma Silva, Inés Antolínez, Cris Blanco, Nuria Jou, Marieta Román, Sidorella Bracic, Eider García, Mireia de Andrés, Elena Martínez, Victoria Rosell, Anna Puig, Ana Peralta, Nerea García, Alba Capell, Lía Piñeiro, Valentina Pérez, Maider Aresti, Bingbing Vergara, Amalia Argudo, Zahía Pérez, Alba Vinuesa, Audiá, Peña, and Zapata.

The veteran players, Paloma Loza and Alicia Yubero, who played at the first World Cup in 1991, were then invited to take the stage, marking the beginning of an emotional moment. The 32 players were called one by one to go on stage and symbolically receive their World Cup T-shirt from the hands of the ex-internationals, in a clear gesture of transfer of legacy and tradition.

The event culminated in a closing speech by Beatriz Vesperinas, who congratulated the players for their work and encouraged them to enjoy this unique experience.

The day ended with a family photo of all the attendees outside the CSD, leaving an image that symbolizes the union and support for the players on their way to the great tournament.