Spain. Home of the Leones. Home of a sleeping giant braced to take their place in a second ever Rugby World Cup. But to finally reach the World Cup, they first must win two games in the 2025 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship.
Powered by fine players like Joel Merkler, Mario Pichardie, Gonzalo Vinuesa, Alvar Gimeno, and others, Spain has enough talent to be one of the most dominant sides in the competition. So, are they ready for the upcoming challenge? Section Paloise prop and Spain’s captain, Jon Zabala, thinks so,
“As the qualifying process for the Men’s World Cup has changed a bit, we know we have to do well from the very first kick-off. Our team underwent a renewal, with a great number of new talents joining in replacing some of the guys who retired. We have a great chemistry together. We are eager and ready for the challenge, as we say in Spain ‘con ganas’!”
Spain had qualified for the previous World Cup, but an eligibility issue would end in a point deduction and would be forced to sit out of another World Cup. Although it wasn’t a memorable moment for Spain and their fans, it helped to push for better things.
“The silver lining of what happened the following month after the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship would force Spain to rebuild and rectify some of the foundations. From the Division de Honor to the youth teams, there was a serious effort to boost the local game, pushing us to progress and help Spanish rugby grow in the future.”
What would it mean to play in a World Cup for him, and Spain?
“The World Cup is one of the grandest sports stages of the world. I’m sure it is always magical for those who qualify for it. I want to experience that, but we have to qualify first before we can start to think about it. We have been chasing this goal for a long time, and we want to finally get there.”
Spain will square off against Netherlands, Switzerland and Georgia to earn one of the two Men’s World Cup tickets, and the Spanish prop lists Spain’s goals for the next three years,
“First goal, World Cup. Defeat Netherlands and Switzerland and qualify for Australia 2027. Then we need those next two years to forge the best possible squad and work tirelessly to be ready for any challenge that comes our way in the World Cup. If we want to be prepared to face nations like Scotland, France, Australia, etc., then we are going to need to rise to the occasion.”
Can Jon Zabala pick his favourite Rugby Europe rivals?
“There are two teams I enjoy playing against the most: Georgia and Portugal. It is always a great challenge to face the Lelos, as they love to dig deep in the scrum and possess a big pack. As for the Lobos, the games against them are heavily packed with speed and continuity. We play a similar type of rugby and fit perfectly well. It’s a fun clash, with lots of tries and spectacular moments.”
With more than 30 caps for Spain, can the tighthead pick that one match he had more fun playing?
“Portugal 2022. If we beat them, we would be in the World Cup. It was a go big or go home match. The Lobos were already performing at a high level, playing wide and quick rugby. We had to be at their level, especially because the game was on our turf. The ‘Central’ was fully packed, with our cohort of fans cheering to support us. And what a game it was. It was one of the very few games that I broke the line and ran unopposed for 30 metres. In the scrum, I was face-to-face with my AS Béziers Hérault teammate, Francisco Fernandes. What a clash it was! And winning the game was the cherry on the top of the cake. It was the best game of my life, even with what would unfold next.”
Zabala goes back to remember some of the 2022 biggest games and moments, and retells us one of his fondest memories as a Spanish international.
“The week before the All Blacks Classics match was fun and enjoyable, and it happened just a few weeks after we lost our World Cup sitting. For a Spanish player, it seemed an impossible dream to play against some former Men’s World Cup winners in a game that took place in the Wanda Metropolitano [Atlético de Madrid Stadium]. There was no tension in the air, and in such a grim moment for us, it was so important to make us feel happy again.”
It's now time to learn about his origins and first steps in rugby. How, when, and where did he start playing?
“Oh, before we start, let me tell you that football was my first sport. I wasn’t particularly good at it, so it wasn’t hard to let it go when some friends of mine convinced me to give rugby a go. They were playing in Getxo, a Basque country rugby club. I was 13 at the time, and it was a quick transition. Rugby was different. My first session was incredibly fun, as most of my teammates were friends from school. I never had played rugby but was having the time of my life.”
Now, are you ready for a revelation about Zabala’s first position on the rugby pitch?
“I was a centre at first, until one summer I gained ten kilos and was moved to number eight… again, the summer came, and ten more. Next? Lock. And finally, prop! I got to experiment most positions, which gave me an edge and knowledge. But if I had to pick one as my favourite, I would say prop. Yes, it is a tough gig, scrummaging isn’t an easy task, but I cherish it as you have to be the best to perform well as a prop. It demands your very best. Of course, if my coach wants to give me a shot as a fly-half, I wouldn’t pass it up!”
Zabala quickly rose to become a youth grade prop and eventually moved to France in the Summer of 2014,
“I moved to France when I was 18. There was a chance, and I took it. I used to live in Bilbao, which is one hour from Bayonne. Jean-Marc Aristoy, who I owe a lot, phoned me to say that Bayonne was keen to let me have a try-out. I went there, and everything worked well for me. Suddenly, I realized that I could be a professional rugby player and have a career in the sport. Because I was playing in such a demanding competition, the Spanish national team called me and in no time, I became a Test Match player.”
Did he have an easy time settling in?
“I didn’t speak a word of French; I didn’t know anybody and most of the other boys were already Bayonne players. I remember carefully observing everything, trying to figure out what they wanted for me. But as I wanted to be a professional player, I didn’t take a step back and stayed. The first year is always rough on you, as it’s a lot to take in. I kept saying ‘I am going to do it. No giving up now. I am going to stay here.’. Slowly I started to understand everything.”
So, how did he communicate with his new teammates?
“Oui, Oui, Oui. And more Oui. I only said that when I first started playing for Bayonne. But as rugby is played the same way in Spain or France, it wasn’t an obstacle. You just have to carry the ball, push in the scrum, lift the jumper in the lineout, tackle low, etc. I solely focused on playing rugby. If you have no idea of what they are saying, just pick the ball and start running.”
From Bayonne to Béziers and from Béziers to Section Paloise, Jon Zabala earned the respect of the French rugby community. He was recognized for his carrying and scrummaging skills. As he still has some time, can he tell us the core principles of being a good prop?
“Three things. Strength. It is the cornerstone to becoming a good scrummager. Without it, you can’t push or withstand the opposition. Then, technique. You can have all the power in the world it won’t mean anything if you don’t know how to apply it. And mindset. It is a one-on-one battle. The guy in front of you are looking for an edge. And he will take it if you are not mentally strong. Those are the three scrum fundamentals for me.”
But did he have bad nights in the scrum?
“One, no. Many! The scrum is like a parallel battle that is happening at the same time as the actual game. There was a game against Aurillac in my first Pro D2 season that we were constantly pushed back. It was tough. We were being dragged at every new scrum, and it can take a mental toll. But it teaches you valuable lessons, as I wanted to understand how I could’ve done better.”
Now, what dishes and treats does he recommend for those going on a tour to Spain to watch the Leones play in Madrid?
“Before the game, churros with chocolate. They are spectacular! And after, I would strongly advise you to go for some tapas. My two favourites are pincho de tortilla and torreznos [strips of fried pork rinds]!”
What words of support can an international fan shout while watching a game in the ‘Central’?
“Vamonos, chicos! And if you want to support us, change ‘chicos’ for ‘Leones’!”
How would he like to be reminded by the Spanish rugby community?
“Someone who gave everything for the team. Someone who tried his best to help his club/country win games and make people happy. That’s how I would like to be remembered the day I retire, which is still a long time away.”
And what final message he would like to pass on to Spanish supporters?
“Just come to support us! You are the most special and important player in the team. We need you, and we will do everything to honour you all.”
Spain's matches will be covered by RTVE channels, either on Teledeporte free to air channel or on RTVE Play.
By Francisco Isaac
Photos: Walter Degirolmo
