Delgado bringing Six Nations stars to Marbella for 'Rugby Changers' clinic

Spanish rugby fans, be warned. Several Guinness Women’s Six Nations and Premiership Women’s Rugby stars are heading to Marbella in May to lead a clinic for players ranging from Under-14s to the senior level.

Harlequins prop Laura Delgado is at the helm of this initiative. The former Las Leonas captain wants to spread the women’s rugby to every corner of her homeland. ‘The Rugby Changers’ clinic is scheduled for Saturday 23 May and will run from 11am to 6pm.

Alongside Delgado, attendees will have the chance to hone their skills under the close guidance of some of the 36-year-old’s Harlequins teammates, which include Wales internationals Alex Callender, Carys Phillips, Lisa Neumann, Red Roses scrum-half Lucy Packer and Spain captain Claudia Peña Hidalgo.

When questioned by RugbyPass about her motivations for planning such an initiative, Delgado explained how she wants to spread the women’s game as far as possible.

“I want young girls to experience what it is like to be a top-level player and, at the same time, entice them to believe in their dreams,” she said.

“They will train alongside players who starred in past World Cups, and I hope it will motivate them to pursue a career and to become part of a high performance programme.”

With Spain having recently won another Women’s Rugby Europe Championship, Delgado – who retired from Test duty after Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – is focused on embracing the next chapter of her life by helping her own community grow.

“I had the opportunity to play in the PWR, and in several countries, and with my career coming to an end, I want to give back to the community and those who have the desire to take the leap.”

As for Alex Callender, the Harlequins flanker is looking forward to sharing her experience and knowhow with those who want to keep progressing.

“This is the kind of event I wished had existed when I was starting. Getting to share what I know, push players to new levels and watch them thrive. I genuinely can’t wait.”

The same feeling is shared by her Wales teammate Lisa Neumann, who is eager for the clinic to start.

“Sharing the love for rugby in an environment like this is something I would have always loved as a kid,” the 32-year-old said. “Helping coach new skills, provide new experiences, and allow others to get the most out of their rugby is going to be super enjoyable.”

Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Lucy Packer will also be joining the initiative and is ready to inspire those who will step up in the years to come.

“Spain has incredible talent waiting to be unlocked,” Packer said. “Coming to Marbella to work with these girls on the pitch and show them what’s possible is a privilege and a really exciting opportunity.”

The clinic will be attended only by women and young girls, with the aim of organising more clinics in Spain and Europe in the future. While this is the first of its kind, Delgado and several international players are already in talks to host more in the next six months.

The initiative is supported by the Fundación Marbella Rugby, which has been at the forefront of promoting the sport in southern Spain.