Pablo Bouza: “The target is Australia 2027, but there is a lot to solve first”

“It is a very important day for Spanish rugby. Everything good takes time to wait. We had a crisis of 2022, where all structures changed, and stability of 2023. And the coach is the last piece of the cake. We do not bring in any coach because it is not an easy process. The role of the coach is critical and we needed someone who could convey this to the players we wanted. destiny Australia 2027but the road is very long. I want to thank the fans for their patience because there were things that needed to change before. “I confirm that we have brought in the best coach we believe Spain needs.”

Minutes later, Prensa Ibérica’s El Periódico de España spoke with Pablo Bouza, now the Lions’ coach.

First of all, welcome. What emotions do you feel during this descent?

Thank you very much. The feeling is very good but we need to work hard on and off the field and make sure the players are clear about the calls. And we who can come.

What is your first message to players, fans and Spanish rugby in general?

I think the most important thing is to create an identity on and off the field. The idea is that the number of players coming to the national team is increasing, but only because they want to play for Spain. I’m not going to go out and look, those who are there are good enough to work. The target is Australia 2027, but there is a lot to do on and off the field. The important thing is the players and we have to order something and leave the field so they can enter.

What do you mean by order?

Sort them by what they are or where we come from. The most difficult thing in international rugby is knowing player availability, controlling the group, managing breaks and optimizing resources. Know how many of us there will be and who we will be.

Usability seems to be their big priority.

It is, but it’s not just mine. On the international stage at all levels. We are planning the calendar because the goal is to reach 2025 in the best possible way and by June 24 we will know how concentrated we can get the players.

How did you get the offer?

I’ve been traveling to Spain for two years and that’s where I started to learn the reality of this rugby. They made me an offer in June 2023, but I was struggling to qualify for the World Cup with Uruguay. I submitted the offer there, but continued to work with Teros for the World Cup.

Was it a complicated decision to make?

It is a difficult decision to make due to the distance from my country, but it is a good and important fight. Moreover, the four years I spent in Uruguay were the best years of my career. But now my dream is to be in Australia in 2027.

What do you know about Spanish rugby?

I should know more. I followed the World Cup rankings a little bit, but I can’t diagnose it. Yes when 6 Nations 2024 ends do you want We sit down and talk about what we can do to improve what we have and where we need to make efforts. When the World Cup ended, I took a few days off.

What do you think about Spanish players?

There are a lot of players but we must know the players available both in Spain and abroad because there are very good players. And Trophy’s youngsters have confirmed there is talent.

What image do you have of the Spanish player?

Frankly, I don’t know everyone, but I think Spanish is similar to Uruguay and Argentina. All three stand out with their passion. But as we said in principle, the main thing is to create an identity on and off the field.

Speaking of that identity, which rugby does coach Pablo Bouza like?

As a coach, the team has a lot of intensity both offensively and defensively. And for this to happen in matches, it also needs to be conveyed in training.

Thank you very much and good luck leading the Lions.

We see each other in the fields.