Laura Delgado: Clàudia Peña Hidalgo yet to 'hit her ceiling'

Cláudia Peña Hidalgo. Born and raised in the majestic, colourful city of Barcelona, the 22-year-old has broken into the RugbyPass‘ Top 50 following another monstrous season in Premiership Women’s Rugby and impressive Test match scenes.

While it may look ordinary to most readers, this is a first for Spanish rugby, as a Spanish player has never before been inducted into the best of the world.

The utility back’s ascension is not only a milestone for one of the oldest rugby communities in the world, but also a standard that will drive the game forward and inspire young players to believe they can be the next Clàudia Peña Hidalgo.

Inspired by her father to pick up the oval ball, Hidalgo quickly became a vibrant and furious tornado sweeping everything in her path, climbing through the ranks and becoming one of the greatest prospects in Spanish sport.

According to Laura Delgado, Hidalgo still has room to go even further.

“What I find more incredible and insane is that she hasn’t hit her ceiling.

“Clàudia’s talent knows no boundaries, and I’m sure she will become a member of the Top 10 players of the world club. Just watch and wait.”

Delgado shared the same locker room as the RugbyPass Top 50 player for the last four years, witnessing her teammate’s growth since 2022.

The former Harlequins prop shared the story of their first encounter, “My first time meeting Clàudia was at a Spain training camp held in Madrid. She was 17, but her skills were already well refined.”

She continued, “I had heard about her and how talented she was, but even knowing that, I was amazed by how good she was.”

At only 17, Hidalgo could already square off with much older players and was capable of doing special things even on her first senior appearance.

“The way she had the basic skills polished at such a young age was undoubtedly impressive. She was already at a level you can only unlock after playing a few years as a senior.”

But despite all the wonderkid’s talent and quality, Delgado explained that the young talent never showed a shred of arrogance – quite the opposite, in fact, as the utility back is always looking to help others.

“I think Clàudia didn’t understand how talented she was and how far she could go. She is very humble and always shares her knowledge, experience, and herself with everyone.

“For me, Clàudia Peña Hidalgo is the standard that every player should aim for.”

Among the many moments that showcased her former teammate’s talent, Delgado recalled how Hidalgo burst onto PWR and immediately made a name for herself.

“Her first games for Harlequins were something else. She made an immediate impact and quickly grabbed everyone’s attention.

“She had never played at that level before, and to come to the PWR and earn a starting spot within the first few months was insane. It is only within reach of a special kind of player.”

Over two seasons, the centre scored 10 tries, set up another 11, and played a key role in a number of Harlequins victories, making her mark in the backline despite seemingly lacking imposing physical size.

Delgado added that it’s not decisive factor for an athlete like Hidalgo, “While she might look short to be an international centre, it doesn’t impact the way she plays or how good she is.

“Look at how fiercely she tackles, how she keeps fighting for the ball, and how she looks to get involved in every single play. Size doesn’t matter when it comes down to her.”

Claudia Peña Hidalgo’s rise to one of RugbyPass‘ Top 50 rugby players will make waves in Spain, potentially attracting larger audiences and new athletes.

Delgado explained, “It will have a huge impact on our community and even in the wider sporting community here in Spain.

“Having someone like Clàudia amongst the best in the world, it will generate more attention and potentially attract more kids to play rugby.”

For the prop, who played for Gloucester Hartpury, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs and the Barbarians, alongside helping Spain win several Women’s Rugby Europe Championships, being in the Top 50 is something rather remarkable.

“It’s historic for Spanish rugby to have a player in the Top 50, and she fully deserves it.

“I had the chance to play alongside her for several years, and I can honestly say Clàudia works herself to exhaustion.

“Her rise wasn’t just about talent; it was also about the many hours she spent in the gym and learning the game.”

Despite Spain not qualifying for knockout stages of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and Harlequins not making the PWR semi-final, Hidalgo always performed at her best, looking to steal the headlines and the spotlight.

Among the many great moments featuring the utility back, Delgado highlighted one off the field that proves how remarkable her former national team and club teammate truly is.

“For us, former players, it means a lot to have Clàudia in the Top 50 in the world. I remember playing the Big Game in the December of 2025 and seeing Clàudia’s face on one of the main banners.

“It showed that we in Spain have talented players who can become stalwarts of the sport.”

When challenged to define Clàudia Peña Hidalgo in one word, the former prop and now director of Club de Rugby Atlético Portuense jumped to an answer.

“Brutal, and I’m saying it in Spanish. Brutal is more than amazing, more than special, and it is only reserved for a select few.”

FIND OUT WHO MAKES THE RUGBYPASS TOP 50