Claudia Peña Hidalgo: Spain enjoying 'fresh start' but see room for improvement

Las Leonas have remained untouchable at the top of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship, having registered their 13th title in the competition with a 43-19 win over the Netherlands at the National Rugby Centre Amsterdam.

Amongst the top performers was Claudia Peña Hidalgo. The Harlequins centre scored a try and set up more than two handfuls of key plays that helped Spain add another piece of silverware to their collection.

The now co-captain of Las Leonas couldn’t help but smile as Spain convincingly took the first steps toward getting back to their best.

“It has been like a fresh start for everyone with lots of positive change,” Peña Hidalgo told RugbyPass. “The several new players that joined the team brought a special energy. This new environment has allowed us to grow, as we can easily work with the staff to improve ourselves as individuals and as a team.”

Spain were flying against the Dutch opposition as they found gaps left and right and created plenty of issues for the home side.

“I think because we outpaced the Netherlands, mainly in how quick our rucks were, it allowed us to consistently win the gainline and set up a more promising attacking platform. Only by playing with speed and making the ball alive, we could take down such a physical team as the Netherlands are.”

Challenged to delve a little deeper into the post-victory analysis of last Saturday’s victory, Peña Hidalgo breaks down how tinkering with the system has made Spain a bigger threat.

“The way we keep the ball flowing, exchanging it between players without losing speed and pace, is the most notable improvement that we have felt since the new [coaching] staff joined the team. It is a game we were taught since we were little. We don’t shy away from a fight, but the Spanish player is more adept at playing with speed and wits than brawn and physicality.”

But it wasn’t just the game plan and the way of playing that changed. The mindset also shifted. Something that is, perhaps, the most important improvement that the 21-year-old Spanish international has noticed.

“The staff fully believe in us, which made things smoother for us, even if we are still adapting to the new system and strategy. I think the word that better defines us now is ‘free’. We are not only motivated to make our own decisions but to trust in ourselves even if things don’t pan out well.”

The start of a new cycle also meant the retirement of several stellar Spanish internationals, pushing Peña Hidalgo and her teammates to step up.

“It’s weird being here and not seeing Bimba, Monica Castelo, Anna Puig or Alba Vinuesa in the team huddle. But as time doesn’t stop, we have to keep going. It’s a new time for each of us. Like I was captain against Portugal and, while I don’t like to leave my comfort zone, I understand that this is the next step.”

With the WXV Global Series Challenger set to go live in the next few months, Peña Hidalgo is already waiting for the call-up, as playing for Spain is not only an honour but a great responsibility.

“Las Leonas for me is more than just emotion, it’s a way of life, something that Bimba Delgado and other team members taught me in the past. Representing this country and this team, and wearing this shirt, means a lot to me. That’s why we are all here, to take the Las Leonas to the top.”

With the successful conclusion of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship campaign, Peña Hidalgo and Spain are looking ahead, as there are several steps still to be taken before the team gets back to its full potential.

“We are building a team, a team with depth and that can excel at every new challenge. Our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, but we have to be careful with our steps. We have to make the most of each new training camp, fixture and competition.

“Only by knowing each other well can we perfect the new game plan and system that Régis Sonnes has come up for us.”

Having won her 30th cap for Las Leonas, the versatile Harlequins back explains that she has grown a lot as an athlete and as a person since the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“With each new game and challenge, I learn something new or improve an area of my game. It’s only by making mistakes and putting yourself out there that you can learn. Against Portugal, I was a bit nervous because I was the captain and had to adapt to the demands of that role. But I ended up doing great, thanks to my teammates.”

Despite having faced several gargantuan challenges since her debut as a senior player Peña Hidalgo has no problem in revealing she has a long way to go.

“It doesn’t matter that I already have 30 caps for Spain, as I just want to keep learning and growing as a player,” she said. “I know I am young, but I can excel in my role as captain because I’m surrounded by great players, like Lourdes Alameda, who give me all the support I need. That’s why I believe we are going in the right direction.”

With the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship title already stored in the trophy cabinet, the Las Leonas are scheduled to regroup in June, with Penã Hidalgo already focused on what comes next.

“The Real Federación Española de Rugby [Spanish Rugby Union] believes in us, as the community and our staff. If we combine all of our strengths, we can go far. If we accomplish all our goals, we will give young girls a stronger platform to achieve their dreams. That’s what I believe in.”