An emotional gathering united players, coaches, and supporters of the historic Huesitos-La Vila Rugby Club in Alicante as the club officially introduced its first team squad for the 2023/2024 season and revealed the new jersey that senior players will wear. The event marked the start of a fresh chapter for the Vile rugby community, which competes in the Honors Division B (DHB) this year. More than a hundred rugby enthusiasts witnessed the unveiling, with eager anticipation for the season ahead and the iconic Huesitos brand celebrated as the club’s official sponsor.
The occasion, hosted at the Signature Chocolate Museum, opened with remarks from Pedro López, chair of Valor, who underscored the significance of bringing together so many rugby fans in one room. He emphasized that the sport embodies effort, friendship, and community. López highlighted Valor’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and welcomed Huesitos as a valued part of the club’s identity. His message set a tone of collaboration and shared ambition, expressing hope for an actively growing partnership that supports a successful season.
Following López’s remarks, Guillem Carrión, president of Huesitos-La Vila Rugby Club, spoke about the strength of the alliance between all involved parties. He described the day as special and exciting, noting that managers, players, and sponsors stand together to defend the club’s values and spread them to every city and field. Carrión called the gathering the best ambassadors for Villajoyosa, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among the club’s supporters.
The program continued with a formal presentation conducted by Alberto Mancebo, the club’s manager, who introduced the senior men’s team and unveiled the new jersey worn by the players. The squad blends seasoned veterans with fresh talent, including established names such as Juan Ignacio Vinaches, Óscar Muñoz, Leo Bouin, Diego Levin, Juan Vicente Llorca, Javier Denacimiento, and Javier Carrión, alongside new transfer Leandro Rivero. Other returnees include Gastón Demergasso, Javier González Morros, Federico Rosales, Paco Martínez, Gerard Blasco, Miguel Meyer, and Santiago Gómez Totti. The youth ranks feature promising talents like Jaume Llinares, Diego Del Castillo, and Jaime Ortega, who have progressed from the club’s academy.
The event also highlighted the growing involvement of the women’s rugby team, showcasing the sport’s expanding appeal in La Vila. The presence of the women’s squad reinforces rugby’s commitment to inclusivity, equality, and opportunities for players of all abilities to participate and excel.
As the program concluded, members of the club’s board of directors—Matías Cabanillas Fernández, Antonio López Ávila, and Ángel Angulo—joined the participants for a guided tour of the chocolate company’s facilities. Attendees had the chance to sample Huesitos chocolates and snacks in the cocoa room, explore the Chocolate Museum, and observe the product packaging area, enjoying a hands-on experience of the sponsor’s production process.
The day stood as a tangible symbol of partnership and community on the coast, where sport, commerce, and culture converge. The club’s leadership expressed gratitude for the support that makes a season in the DHB possible and shared optimism about the growth this collaboration can inspire within the local rugby scene and beyond. The event underscored a shared belief that the rugby program can serve as a beacon for teamwork, discipline, and local pride, while the sponsor’s involvement reinforces a long-term vision for the club’s development and presence across the region. This joint effort aims to elevate the team’s performance on the field and strengthen ties with supporters in Villajoyosa and neighboring communities, paving the way for continued success in the seasons ahead.
Notes from the day reflect a commitment to community engagement, sport development, and the celebration of local talent. The gathering demonstrated how a single sponsorship can amplify a club’s impact, while reinforcing the values that rugby ultimately represents: camaraderie, effort, and a shared goal of reaching new heights together. The season ahead promises to be watched closely by fans and families who have long stood by Huesitos-La Vila Rugby Club and its mission to grow the sport across diverse audiences.