THE BOYS OF SPANISH RUGBY 7s

More viral than many celebrities, Spain’s national men’s rugby 7s team wins on the field as well as the hearts of millions across the world

We’ve joined with five of their key players – Manu Moreno, Antón Legorburu, Tobi Sainz-Trápaga, Eduardo López, and Jeremy Trevithick – to take time out of their iron-pumping, quad-bulging, chest-beating busy schedule for a chic studio shoot in Madrid!

Interviews by Blanca Soler

BLANCA

Do you guys have any rituals or habits before going out onto the field? 

EDUARDO

Individually, we all have a few small habits, like I put on my mouthguard at the same moment before each game, I put on my socks in the same way, things like that. But as a team, something that can’t be missed before a game is all of us singing and dancing together to All Janja Man by the Ragga Twins.

MANU

It has become a ritual for us, listening to All Janja Man, and that song has accompanied us throughout this past year in which we achieved historic milestones for Spanish rugby. 

BLANCA

What is a typical training day like with the national team?

JEREMY

We usually train three times a day. We start with a gym session in the morning, along with a field session. After that, we have lunch and we all take a nap to recover our energy. Then we train again on the field to work on other aspects of the game. In the evening, we have dinner together and watch a movie or play cards, and by 10 pm we’re all asleep.

BLANCA

How does the team handle difficult moments?

ANTON

By staying more united than ever, analyzing the situations, and ultimately finding solutions. The atmosphere within the team is incredible, we’re always joking and laughing with each other. We’ve managed to build a group of people who, beyond being teammates, are friends off the field as well, and that really shows in our day-to-day life. 

BLANCA

How do you guys manage coexistence during training? 

EDUARDO

On our team, humor plays a fundamental role; in fact, I think it’s one of the keys to our team’s success. It’s not only the high level of rugby we’re showing, but also the joy and humor we share every day on a personal level. 

BLANCA

Tobi, how did you start playing rugby, and what attracted you to the sevens format? 

TOBI

I started playing rugby because of my family. My father played for many years when he was younger, and he passed that passion on to me and my siblings. My brother Manu joined first, and when I was old enough, I didn’t hesitate, I signed up as well. As for the sevens format, Manu was already playing for the Spanish sevens team, and when I reached the senior category, the coach at the time knew Manu had a tall brother who did quite well in competitions, so they gave me an opportunity. And I’ve been here ever since. Sevens really appeals to me because, in my opinion, it’s much faster than traditional rugby and suits my style of play better. I think it gives players more space to express themselves freely on the field.

BLANCA

And Manu, what do you do to disconnect from rugby? 

MANU

It’s actually easy for me to disconnect. Competition periods are very intense, but once I step away from that environment, I like spending time with family and friends. I enjoy sailing and doing any kind of sport, going out for lunch or dinner with friends, and enjoying my city, Seville. 

BLANCA

How would you like to be remembered as a player? 

MANU

I’d like to be remembered as an important player in the history of Spanish rugby who contributed to the growth of this sport in my country. But, above all, I want to be remembered as a friend by my teammates—because, in the end, that’s what we’ll take with us once we leave rugby.

BLANCA

What personal values do you think rugby has taught you? 

ANTON

Respect for my teammates, my opponents, and the referee… as well as humility, discipline, teamwork, and camaraderie.

BLANCA

Do you have any role models or other athletes who have inspired you? 

EDUARDO

Rafael Nadal the tennis player. I think that aside from his physical and mental preparation, plus his athletic level, what sets him apart is his courage and his attitude. I believe courage, a good attitude, and determination is what makes great athletes. 

BLANCA

How do you prepare mentally for a tournament? 

JEREMY

The mental side is the most important part before a tournament. It’s very difficult to always be at 100%. To overcome mental stress, we support and help one another. When a player is feeling down or doesn’t seem well, we are all there to help him. It’s important. 

BLANCA

How do you adapt your play to the intense rhythm of sevens rugby? 

JEREMY

You must have good physical condition. We’re in good hands with all the members of the staff. There is constant coordination between the strength and conditioning coach and the head coach to ensure that we are always at peak performance and able to compete at the highest level.

BLANCA

What has been the most special moment of your career so far? 

TOBI

Getting to play my brother Manu’s final game with the national team. It was incredibly special because he’s had a long career, and being able to close it with the national team in an international game was amazing. Being there - and playing by his side - was a privilege.

BLANCA

What does it mean to you to represent Spanish rugby?

TOBI

It’s an honor and a source of pride, as well as a great opportunity to represent my family in the sport we love.

TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHER | Manu Bermúdez

WARDROBE STYLIST | Adrián Martínez Maldonado 

GROOMER | Kike Crespo

WARDROBE ASSISTANT | Marina F.