The Viator Barbarians Rugby Club hosts a first-ever Rugby Sevens event this Saturday in 2023, featuring Dartmouth University from the United States, the 2022 college champion, alongside Arquitectura Madrid, Spain’s most successful rugby club, and the Viator Barbarians first team invitation squad from Spain.
Dartmouth College is kicking off its Spain tour in preparation for the IVY League USA Universities Rugby Sevens League, which unites eight top American universities. The team will compete in Villajoyosa before heading to Madrid on Monday, March 20, then to Seville to participate in the Lovers Rugby Tournaments. Pablo Feijoo, a former national rugby sevens coach, will guide the Viator Barbarians, a squad that includes four players from Spain’s Rugby Sevens Academy.
Arquitectura Madrid, celebrating 90 years as a cornerstone of Spanish rugby, stands among the 15 clubs that have consistently supported this Olympic-style approach. The I VIATOR RUGBY SEVENS tournament unfolds at the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium this Saturday with group matches running from 12:00 to 15:00 and 17:00, creating a lively day of sevens rugby.
At 3:00 PM, the 23rd Lower League match will take place between La Vila and CRC Madrid. Admission is free for both events, inviting fans of all ages to enjoy the day of fast-paced rugby.
Rugby Sevens referees for the day are Juanma Escudero and Daniel Carrion, both bringing international sevens experience. The tournament is organized under the auspices of the Valencia Community Rugby Federation and is conducted in collaboration with Villajoyosa City Council, Generalitat Valenciana, the Provincial Council, and the Costa Blanca Tourist Board. This event highlights the collaborative spirit of regional rugby, sport tourism, and community engagement in the Costa Blanca area.
The Viator Barbarians Rugby Club, in partnership with La Vila and Costa Blanca Rugby Club, leads the organization of the day’s proceedings, aiming to showcase top-tier sevens action while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for spectators and participants alike. The event underscores the growing international exchange in rugby, where local venues host visiting teams and provide a platform for emerging players to compete against global programs. Communities along the coast benefit from increased visibility, tourism draw, and the sharing of coaching knowledge and competitive standards that elevate the sport for players at all levels. The day promises spirited matches, memorable tries, and a celebration of rugby culture that resonates with fans across Spain and the broader rugby world. For those tracking the pulse of rugby in the region, this tournament stands as a clear indicator of the sport’s expansion and the strength of cross-border collaborations that help bring world-class sevens to the Iberian Peninsula. The event also serves as a stage for young talents to observe high-level play, absorb strategic insights, and imagine future seasons on international circuits. In short, it’s a day to witness the artistry of Rugby Sevens unfold in a setting that blends tradition with a forward-looking sporting vision. (Citations: Viator Barbarians Rugby Club press materials; Valencia Community Rugby Federation records; regional tourism and sports development board announcements.)