SVNS superstar called up by Spain for World Rugby Nations Cup

Pablo Bouza has named Spain’s squad for the inaugural edition of the Nations Cup, with SVNS superstar Jeremy Trevithick amongst the 31 players heading to North America.

Trevithick, who was selected for the SVNS Team of the Year, is now in line to win his first cap for the 15s national team, following in Alejandro Laforga’s footsteps.

The 24-year-old was born to an English father and Lebanese mother but grew up in Marbella.

Jaime Manteca, another 7s regular, is also among those called up for the global tournament in July, which features 12 Rugby World Cup 2027 qualified teams.

A number of players in the squad play their club rugby overseas, including co-captains Jon Zabala (Section Paloise) and Álvaro García (Stade Français) and Luca Tabarot (SU Agenais), Hugo Pirlet and Kerman Aurrekoetxea and Ekain Imaz (all Biarritz Olympique), Manex Ariceta (Aviron Bayonnais), Alberto Carmona (Colomiers Rugby), Ignacio Piñeiro (FC Grenoble) and Gonzalo López Bontempo (RC Massyone).

As for notable absentees, Joel Merkler and Lucien Richardis were not up for selection due to Stade Toulousain playing in the Top 14 final this weekend, with the experienced prop Merkler expected to start against Montpellier.

Stade Français’ Samuel Ezeala, who made his debut for Spain last February, is rested and fly-half Gonzalo Vinuesa (Cisneros) and No.8 Raphäel Nieto (RC Massy) are still recovering from injuries sustained during the season.

2026 has been a lukewarm year for Los Leones, as after three strong performances in the group stage of the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship, they were trounced by Portugal 26-7 at Estádio do Restelo, missing the chance to qualify for a home final.

They ultimately clinched a 29-23 victory against Romania to finish third, but it was little consolation after the great expectations that had been built around the team following an extremely promising 2025, when they reached the REC final.

Spain will kick off their Nations Cup campaign against Canada on July 5, followed by Tonga on July 11 and the United States on July 19.