From SVNS to 15s: Spanish duo have high hopes of cracking the code

What do Spain’s 7s and 15s setups have in common beyond having the same flag, anthem and gear? The fact that Jaime Manteca and Jeremy Trevithick are crushing it for both sides!

After helping Spain finish third in the SVNS Championship Series, where Trevithick was even named to the Team of the Year, both outside backs earned the opportunity to debut at 15s this month.

Manteca came on in Spain’s 42-point draw against Canada and would earn his place in the starting line-up in the following game against Tonga; as for Trevithick, the 24-year-old got stuck in during a 10-minute cameo in Los Leones’ win over the ?Ikale Tahi.

Spain has a long track record of interchangeability between the codes, with the current duo joining the likes of Alejandro Laforga, Jerry Surumi, Iñaki Mateu and Alex Alonso.

This shows how Pablo Bouza and his staff have been looking to Sevens to find valuable assets for Los Leones’ roster, with Jaime Manteca sharing some of the reasoning behind I and his journey into the 15s fold.

“To play in the SVNS World Series, where you face the best teams of the sport, you need to be at the top of your game, be it physical form, skills, or the ability to win a one-v-one situation. This allowed the others and me to be readier for the 15s challenge – although it isn’t easy,” he admitted.

Manteca made more than 50 running metres against Tonga, twice breaking the line and successfully evading six tacklers to help Spain land their first win of the campaign.

Despite looking fully adapted to the 15s game, the winger is honest about the challenges of the transition.

“The jump from one setup to the other was quite hard, as they are completely different codes in my opinion.” stated Manteca.

“In my first sessions, I felt a bit lost on the pitch, but over time I adjusted to it and the system. I am getting progressively more comfortable with it, thanks to the staff and my teammates.”

As for Jeremy Trevithick, he experienced the same challenges, but also managed to push through to become a fully-fledged member of Spain’s 15s pride.

“I didn’t know what to expect. It was a mix of nerves and desire, as I wanted to really get into it, but I had several doubts about how it would pan out,” he confessed.

“The team embraced me from the very beginning, which sped up my adaptation to the system and the way we play.”

Manteca and Trevithick came from the Spanish youth pathway, becoming lightning rods for every side they played for. However, both explain that they are not exceptions, stating that Spanish rugby has been committed to developing more and better athletes, be it in Sevens or 15s.

“Spanish rugby is growing and getting better by the day.” firmly says Manteca.

“With every new year, new, well-prepared and more talented players step into the fray, and that’s great for us. Sevens has developed several players who will go on to become superstars in 15s, and our programme is doing exactly that.”

“Our pathway is working wonders, producing fine players that can feature for the 7s and 15s.” echoes Trevithick.

With Spain’s U20 side making strong progress at the World Rugby Junior Championship, Trevithick is certain that the new generation of Spanish rugby players will make a quicker impact than in the past.

As for those who begin their international journey in Sevens, Trevithick is confident they will also make an impact in the 15s game, bringing a range of sharp-edged attributes to the fold.

“Sevens players add speed, acceleration and the ability to anticipate plays or moves, adding unpredictability to how the team goes out on attack. However, Sevens and 15s, as Jaime said, are very distinct from each other, be it on the physical or technical front, so there’s an adaptation period that needs to be respected.”

With both turning their attention to next weekend’s clash with the US Eagles, they are determined to help Spain continue its upward trajectory ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup — a tournament they dream of featuring in.

“I believe every rugby player has the goal to play in a World Cup, and I am no exception.” states Manteca.

“However, I just played my first two games for Los Leones, and I understand that for the time being, it might not be achievable. But I’ll keep pushing and working hard!”

“I want to be a valuable member of the squad and, who knows, make it to the World Cup.” shares Trevithick.

“It might sound cliché, but it has been a dream come true to play for the 15s. I have been fully focused on the Sevens, but playing for the 15s national team has been a goal since I was young. But my mind is focused on helping the team, even if I don’t get to play in the World Cup.”