One rainy morning at the headquarters of the Supreme Sports Council, the announcement was made that Pablo Bouza, the first Argentine to hold the role, would become Spain’s new rugby coach. Uruguay’s longtime assistant coach had finally stepped into the Lions’ head coaching position after a lengthy wait that tested everyone’s patience. Juan Carlos Martín Hansen explained the decision with a steady voice, outlining the significance of the moment for Spanish rugby.
“This is a pivotal day for the sport in Spain. Good things take time, and we’ve endured a 2022 crisis that reshaped our structures and a 2023 period of stability. The coach is the last piece of the puzzle. We did not rush the process because selecting the right coach is not easy. The staff needed someone capable of inspiring the players we’ve aimed to reach. The road to Australia 2027 is long, but we are laying a solid foundation. I want to thank the fans for their patience, as there were adjustments that needed to occur before this moment. It’s clear that we have brought in the best coach Spain believes it needs.”
Minutes later, Bouza spoke with Prensa Ibérica’s El Periódico de España, stepping into the role as the Lions’ head coach.
First of all, welcome. What emotions accompany this new chapter for you?
Thank you. The feeling is positive, yet there is a lot of work ahead both on and off the field. It’s essential that the players understand the plans and calls, and that everyone commits to the shared path. We are ready to move forward.
And what is your initial message to the players, supporters, and Spanish rugby at large?
I’m convinced that building a clear identity is the priority, on and off the pitch. We want more players to choose Spain, but it will be earned through performance and commitment. The target remains Australia 2027, but there is much to be done in every facet of the program. The focus is on the players, and a structured approach is needed to help them excel and to set a standard for what comes next.
What does you mean by “order” in this context?
Order means clarity about each player’s role and where everyone fits within the squad. International rugby’s biggest challenge is tracking availability, managing rest periods, and optimizing resources. It’s crucial to know exactly who will be available and who will be part of the plan at any given time.
There seems to be a strong emphasis on usability and practicality.
Indeed. It’s a shared objective across all levels of the national team. The calendar is being shaped with a clear goal: to begin 2025 on the strongest possible footing. By June 24, the coaching staff will have a better sense of how concentrated the player pool will be, which will drive training and competition decisions.
How did the offer come about?
Bouza explained that the Spanish rugby scene had been visible to him for some time. He began to understand the realities of the sport in Spain during extended visits. An offer arrived in June 2023 while he was still aligned with Uruguay, and though he considered it, he chose to remain with the Teros for the World Cup before transitioning.
The Supreme Sports Council today welcomed Pablo Bouza as the new men’s national rugby XV coach. The Argentinian, who signed a four-year contract, is expected to guide the Lions toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with the aim of strengthening the team’s presence in international rugby. A social media post from the council marked the moment with a simple welcome and a hopeful image.
Was the decision difficult to make?
It presented challenges because of the distance from his homeland, but Bouza saw the move as a meaningful pursuit. He noted that the four years in Uruguay were among the best in his coaching career, and now the objective is to bring that same passion and energy to Australia in 2027.
What does Bouza know about the current Spanish rugby landscape?
He acknowledged room for growth. He has followed rankings and recent tournaments with interest, and he looks forward to a fuller assessment after the Six Nations 2024 ends. A sit-down will then outline the areas that require attention, and the plan to raise the level of performance and commitment.
What about the Spanish player pool?
Bouza sees a wealth of talent both in Spain and abroad. The national team will benefit from players in domestic leagues and those who ply their trade internationally. The prodigies already show promise, and the challenge is to harness that potential and channel it into a collective effort.
What image does Bouza have of Spanish players?
He believes Spaniards share the same fiery passion found in Uruguay and Argentina. The goal, he says, is to build an identity that resonates on and off the field and to cultivate a culture of pride and responsibility among the players.
Which rugby style does Bouza prefer for Spain?
As a coach, Bouza favours a team with high-intensity play on both offense and defense. For this to translate into matches, the preparation must mirror that demand in training sessions, with a relentless focus on detail and execution.
Thank you for your time, and best of luck with the Lions.
We will see each other on the field.
The appointment marks a new era for Spanish rugby as Bouza begins his four-year journey, with the hope of elevating the national team toward the ambitious objective of a strong showing at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.