From Alicante, Claudia Cano has earned a call-up to Spain’s under-18 rugby sevens squad for the European Championship in Prague this weekend. This moment marks a historic milestone for Akra and for Claudia, as she becomes the first player from the city to take part in an official international event with Spain. It stands as a proud achievement for the young athlete and a clear sign of the club’s expanding influence on the national stage. [Akra Rugby Club]
Akra’s head coach, Joseph Mendoza, describes this period as an exciting chapter for the club and its players. He emphasizes that the occasion is not only a personal triumph for Claudia but also a tangible reward for years of hard work and devotion from the club and its coaching staff. The momentum reflects Akra’s long-term investment in nurturing talent and offering pathways for players to reach the highest levels of competition. [Akra Rugby Club]
Claudia, 17 years old, earned national acclaim after being named Spanish champion at the National Regional Teams Championship held in Seville. She travels to Prague with eagerness, ready to train and compete alongside Spain’s best under-18 rugby talents, aiming to contribute to the national team’s performance on the international stage. [National Regional Teams Championship]
Akra stands as a cornerstone of rugby in Alicante, founded in 1988 and home to more than 200 licensed players from the region. The club prioritizes ongoing, high-quality training delivered by a highly qualified staff, including a certified coach and twelve experienced instructors led by a respected mentor. The club’s philosophy centers on a robust youth foundation, recognizing that academy programs and local development initiatives are the primary sources of its players. [Akra Rugby Club]
Alicante’s Lions rise into rugby’s elite circle
In recent years Akra’s first team has grown to regional prominence, claiming the first regional league title and earning promotion to a higher division in 2020. The team maintained its status in the following season, continuing to compete at a higher level while contributing to the sport’s growth in the Valencian Community. This success mirrors a broader effort to foster a strong grassroots culture and ensure sustained growth at the youth levels. [Valencian Community Rugby]
The club’s junior squads—S18, S16 and S14—have consistently ranked among the strongest in the Valencian Community. Akra’s triumphs in the academy categories reflect a deliberate push to meet the highest standards, making it the only club in the Alicante province to achieve such consistency in a single season. This track record underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from the earliest stages and building a direct pipeline to the senior ranks. [Akra Rugby Club]
Among Akra’s players who earned regional recognition this year are performers who helped Spain finish as runners-up in S16 Sevens, secure the S16 title, and win bronze medals in S16 and S18 XV. Claudia Cano herself has shone in the M18 category, emerging as a standout presence for the national team as a leader and a symbol of what Alicante’s rugby community can achieve when talent meets opportunity. Her journey illustrates how a local club can contribute to national success and inspire younger players to pursue rugby with passion. [Spain Sevens]
The Spanish women’s under-18 squad is set to play this Saturday, facing Germany, France and another opponent whose performance will be determined by results from other matches. Akra’s story demonstrates how a community-driven club can lift players to the international stage and generate momentum across the sport in the region. [European Championship Prague]
Akra’s growth has occurred despite persistent challenges, including limited facilities in the city over the years. The club’s leadership, coaching staff, and resilient culture have driven progress from the ground up. Claudia’s selection for the Spanish under-18 team stands as a clear example of the capacity of Alicante’s rugby ecosystem to cultivate talent and compete at a high level in a sport that continues to gain traction across Spain. [Akra Rugby Club]