On November 16, Estadio José Zorrilla will become the arena for a unique sporting event. For the first time in its history, the venue will host an international rugby match. The Spanish Federation wants the stadium to be filled to the brim with fans who will be able to watch the clash between Spain and Fiji live.

Meeting Fiji in Valladolid

The Real Federación Española de Rugby (RFER), whose president hails from Valladolid, is determined to fill the stands of Estadio José Zorrilla. Juan Carlos Martín Hansen stresses that the main aim of this venture is to promote rugby in Spain, not to pursue profits. Those will come later - adds the president. For Martín, the event is symbolic - a milestone that aims to strengthen rugby's position in the country, especially given the difficulties the sport has faced in recent years.

The match against Fiji, which will take place in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, is not just a friendly. The encounter counts towards the world ranking, which adds to its prestige. Fiji, ranked tenth in the world ranking, will showcase their skills and the spectacle will be enhanced by the traditional haka - a ritualised warrior dance that stirs excitement around the world.

As club spokesman Jorge Santiago pointed out, hosting this match is an opportunity to show that the Estadio José Zorrilla can host a variety of sporting events beyond football. Santiago stresses that the stadium has the potential to become the place where rugby, with its growing popularity in Spain, will find its permanent home.

© Real Valladolid

City with rugby at its heart

Valladolid, with two men's teams in the Honours Division and one women's team, has been an important centre for rugby in Spain for years. The town's mayor, Jesús Julio Carnero, calls rugby 'the school of life' and expresses pride in the passion that residents have for the sport.

Carnero is calling on residents to turn out in large numbers at the stadium to support the national team and show that Valladolid is the true centre of rugby in Spain. Tickets for the match, available on the FER website, are in high demand, raising hopes of full stands. The match will be the Lions' third official game in Valladolid, the fifth counting friendly matches. The last time they played here was more than 13 years ago.

© Real Valladolid