Claudia Cano shines as a rising star for Alicante and Spain
Claudia Cano, a standout player for the Alicante Akra Bárbara Rugby Club, delivered a weekend to remember in her first appearance with the national women’s rugby sevens squad. She left the field with the runner-up medal, a sign of the promise she brings to the team and the sport alike. Her debut with the senior women’s team underscored a rapid ascent for a player already drawing attention across the rugby community in Alicante and beyond.
Last weekend, the Campo JA Amorós Palao in Elche hosted the International Tournament Elche 7s, a gathering that brings together European rugby clubs in the exciting Olympic Sevens format. The event showcased a diverse slate of teams, highlighting both emerging talents and established players across men’s and women’s divisions. The atmosphere was electric, with lines of play tightening as teams pushed for quick breaks, precision passes, and disciplined defense in a fast-paced, high-scoring environment.
Claudia earned the call to compete with Spain’s senior team for the first time amid a week filled with camaraderie and hard work. During lively sessions with teammates, the Lionesses made a welcomed visit to the Akra club, sharing training sessions with the club’s first XV players who compete in the Senior and Honor B divisions. The tournament ultimately featured strong competition, with one notable opponent from Poland and several battles that tested the depth and versatility of the competing squads. The experience not only marked a personal milestone for Claudia but also stood as a testament to the rising generation of players who are driving forward Spanish rugby on the international stage.
The achievement signals a bright trajectory for Claudia and reinforces the growing visibility of women’s sports within the region. The Alicante Akra Bárbara Rugby Club has long championed wide participation and a pathway for young athletes to pursue high-level rugby while balancing education and personal development. This weekend’s events exemplified the club’s commitment to offering a platform where aspiring talent can train, compete, and gain exposure in a supportive, competitive environment.
As competitions continue to unfold, the club remains focused on the ongoing development of every division, from youth programs to elite senior squads. Each match contributes to a collective energy that fuels the drive to elevate oval ball sports within the province and the city of Alicante. The story of Claudia and her teammates is more than a single achievement; it’s part of a broader movement that is reshaping perceptions and opportunities for women in rugby across Spain and across Europe.
Alicante’s Claudia Cano earns silver with Spain’s U18 team in European Sevens
Claudia’s recent performances also resonate beyond the senior ranks. Her consistent excellence has helped her secure a place with Spain’s U18 squad for European Sevens competitions, where she has contributed to the team’s success on the continental stage. This continued growth confirms her status as one of the standout talents in the current generation of European rugby players and signals the potential for future leadership roles at higher levels of the game.
Her journey reflects a broader narrative of persistence and ambition—characteristics that define the Alicante club’s approach to training and competition. The emphasis on creating opportunities for young athletes to experience elite-level rugby, while supporting their academic and personal development, remains a central pillar of the club’s philosophy. As Claudia and her peers push toward new milestones, they do so with a sense of responsibility to inspire others in the community to pursue sport with dedication and integrity.
The weekend’s events are more than just results. They illustrate how a local club can foster talent, provide meaningful competition, and contribute to the growth of women’s rugby on a continental stage. The collective momentum around Claudia’s achievements serves as a beacon for aspiring players in Alicante and across Spain, reinforcing the idea that perseverance, teamwork, and a love of the game can translate into tangible progress and recognition on the world stage.