LONG READ Pablo Bouza: 'Spain's goal is to qualify for the knockouts at Rugby World Cup 2027'

It is fair to say the Rugby Europe Championship did not go how Spain had envisaged. Well beaten by Iberian rivals Portugal, they failed to reach the final and were forced to settle for bronze, watching Os Lobos stun Georgia and end the Lelos’ vice-like grip on the crown.

All the evidence suggests this was a blip for Spain. This rugby nation is charting an upward trajectory, defeating World Cup regulars Romania, Canada, Tonga, Uruguay, USA and Portugal since Pablo Bouza became head coach three years ago.

Bouza has steered them back to the big time after a 28-year absence, thanks to a stronger performance at the 2024 REC. A particularly poignant moment for Spain since administrative errors denied them a spot at the past two World Cups.

For Bouza, an assistant coach with his native Argentina and Uruguay respectively in 2019 and 2023, getting Spain over the line was at the same time a sensational moment, and the closing of a chapter.

“Tranquillity is the best word to describe what I felt when we qualified,” says the former Pumas second-row.

“The way for Spain to qualify for Australia 2027 was straightforward. However, I also understood there was a heavy load of expectation and anxiety from everyone. It was our first goal, and having accomplished that, we have moved on to the second phase of the process: getting ready for the demands of competing in a World Cup.”

Bouza is candid in his assessment of guiding the team with a deep passion to reach new heights.

“If I have to make an evaluation of my 25 games as head coach, there were only four games I didn’t enjoy, those being Ireland A, Georgia in February 2025 and the last two against Portugal and Romania for this year’s Rugby Europe Championship. All in all, we have to be happy with our progress.

“Unfortunately, in the semi-final, things didn’t go our way, and it was mainly because of how the game in itself went. I have to give credit to Portugal, while also recognising that we weren’t able to course-correct our tactical mistake.”

As for the future, Bouza and his team are already focused on July, as the team is heading to North America where they will face Canada, Tonga and USA in the opening three rounds of the inaugural Nations Cup.

“It is going to be similar to our July and November windows of 2025 were. We are facing three tough challenges, especially because our games will be played in North America. At the same time, we will have to find solutions for potential absences in the team, but we will be ready for the challenge.”

However, for the 53-year-old coach, it will also be vital to face the game’s elite, as this will push Spain to grow further.

“As we prepare for the World Cup, we need to challenge ourselves by competing against top-level teams that can test our game plan in ways our current rivals don’t. We are going to have a few sessions with Scotland this June, and potentially we will face two teams from the Nations Championship as World Cup warm-up games.”

Bouza and his staff have fostered closer bonds with the French clubs where many of his top players are based. Joel Merkler is the most prominent example, with the mighty prop playing among the Galacticos of Toulouse. This is an important step in building trust and managing player loads between clubs and country.

“One of the biggest adjustments or learning experiences is our relationship with clubs, especially the Top 14 and Pro D2 ones. We are always looking out for the wellbeing of the players, which means we have to look for making compromises when needed.

“It is something I enjoy. In September of 2024 and 2025, we went to France to meet every club that had a Spanish player who could be selected for the national team. It has changed the way the French clubs perceive the Spanish national team. This has streamlined and facilitated the entire selection process.”

Bouza highlights Lucien Richardis, a prodigious 21-year-old fly-half also ensconced in the Toulouse system.

“He was expected only to play in the semi-finals and final of the Rugby Europe Championship,” Bouza says. “It was the agreed deal with Toulouse. However, due to injuries, we asked the club to allow him to play against Georgia. As he was only the 24^th player in Toulouse’s team sheet for Stade Français, they allowed him to join us. Managing these situations is also part of our work.”

Bouza, too, is hugely encouraged by the strides the federation has made in developing talent.

“Spain is doing a brilliant job in the youth pathway, which supplies us with talented and skilled players that can make an impact for the team. For example, we faced Georgia in Tbilisi with two 20-year-old props, Hugo González and Guido Reyes, and both put in strong performances. It is the way forward.”

While managing relationships abroad, Bouza has also had to address the way clubs on his doorstep operate.

“Players used to have little to no rest between January and March. They would play for Spain, return to their clubs, and play for them the following weekend, resulting in nine or 10 weeks of rugby with no rest. That wasn’t good for anyone, but with the effort from the union, clubs, staff and players, we were able to change that, which has been key for our development.”

With Spain returning to the grandest stage, fans are already eagerly anticipating the pool matches against Argentina, Fiji and Canada, with Bouza making a bold statement about what he hopes to achieve.

“If we are only talking about results, I would say qualifying for the knockouts is a goal for us. But what we are really chasing is putting out strong performances no matter the opposition. We need to be intense and physical as we were against Fiji in 2024 and 2025. That’s where we want to go.”

One question that remains is whether Bouza hopes to extend his stay in Spain.

“We have been talking about it, but it is a bit soon to make any decisions. For us, it is important to see how the team performs in the World Cup and how they react to us afterwards. But yes, it would be great if we could continue our work after 2027. I am happy living in Spain. As in anything in life, there are ups and downs, but for me it has been a great experience.”

With the Nations Cup looming large, Bouza is looking forward to helping Spain continue to walk a promising path, all in hopes of growing the game in the country.