On the weekend of May 23 and 24, José Zorrilla will once again be the arena for Spain's top rugby teams to battle it out. Two teams from the same city, Valladolid CR El Salvador and VRAC Quesos Entrepinares, will meet in this year's Copa del Rey final.

History of finals in Valladolid

Although the Copa del Rey final has always been a special event, the meeting played on April 17, 2016 became a milestone for Spanish rugby. It was the first match played at Estadio Jose Zorrilla, and the presence of King Felipe VI added prestige to the event. That derby ended with a minimal victory for El Salvador (13-9) and the stadium attracted more than 26,000 spectators, a record attendance for a rugby match in Spain.

The last Valladolid derby in the Copa del Rey final took place in 2018 at Estadi Ciutat de València. This time, the competition returns to the heart of the city, which is linked to the growing popularity of rugby in the region.

© Real Valladolid | Estadio José Zorrilla

The return of a historic trophy

The final of the 2025 season brings not only sporting excitement, but also the return of the historic Ràfols Cup. This trophy commemorates Spain's first rugby championship, the final of which was held on February 18, 1923 at the Hippodrome de Can Tunis. From now on, the Ràfols Cup will be presented to the winner of the Copa del Rey, linking the past with the future of Spanish rugby.