“It’s a way of life”

Something happens in rugby sevens. Many things. In a very short time. In seconds. “It’s very dynamic and changeable,” the Argentine begins. Rodrigo Isgro, best player in the world last season. “Spectacular, super entertaining,” he speeds up. Paul Pla, 96 Tests with the Spanish men’s national team. “Lifestyle”, defines Olivia FresnedaThe 25-year-old Spanish 15-a-side rugby player is now focusing on Olympic sports.

Seven against seven in two seven-minute halves. All over the field. He runs and takes the ball, the ball is in motion, looking for a place to leave. HSBC Sevens Seriesannual competition bringing together the best teams in the world (All blackAustralia, Argentina, etc. and, among them, Spain) is being solved for the first time in Madrid. All or nothing. The winning team of the tournament, which will take place from Friday to Sunday at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium, will be declared the season’s champion.

If games take place on grass, the idea is that the spectator is also active. “Rugby will be the most important thing but we want to turn it into a festival, we have to give something extra, entertainment or gastronomy,” assures Paula Hernandez, World Rugby Federation, director of this series in Madrid.

Games begin on Friday and Saturday at twelve o’clock in the afternoon and on Sunday at ten in the morning. Since each day lasts at least 10 hours, tickets allow you to go outside. fan zone and log in again. Before this Wednesday, about 40,000 units had been sold in three days. prices from 10 euros.

If he Seven It may lose on pacing, complexity, and epicness compared to fifteen, but it gains on continuity and speed. Demand, since it does not change, is maximum. Rodrigo Isgro made his debut in 2020 and now sees Argentina, who finished first overall in previous tournaments, as one of the favourites. “Two minutes of lack of concentration can lead to losing the game, there are a lot of rehearsals, anything can happen until the last minute.” There is no room for mistakes and no time for correction. “You can spend a lot of time defending, you have a mistake and the test is against you,” confirms Olivia Fresneda.

Although the game is becoming more physical, Paul Pla notes, “on such a big field there is always room for an experienced player or someone who has other strengths.” Speed, strength and endurance have made this sport a sport for super athletes. “Player Seven “spends a lot of time on the physical side” confirms Isgro. And, he emphasizes, not only that. “In most cases, it is the head that gives the body signals to continue.” Spaniard Olivia Fresneda emphasizes that even when traveling, free time is usually devoted to recovery. “It requires you to be there 24 hours a day,” he says. Paul Pla remembers being “kicked out” after his first tournament and not having the energy to face another the following weekend. Today he is the standard in the men’s team.

Something happens on the field, something happens outside. Since rugby is also fun, it is celebrated on Saturday outside the Cívitas Metropolitano. beach rugby tournament and another tape on Sunday for children. The sun will set in Madrid, the sand has been brought from the quarry. food stalls, beach club with music, sun loungers, swimming pool and huge screen. “People will not only watch rugby, they will also be part of rugby,” suggests Paula Hernandez. The director of the organization explains that “the target audience is from 20 to 30 years old, but families are also welcome, we try to find offers for everyone.” Their goal is for the event, which involves the Spanish Federation, the Madrid City Council and Atlético Madrid, to take place in the city.

However, players cannot afford to be distracted. The men’s and women’s national teams of Spain took tenth and twelfth places in the sum of the previous tournaments. That’s why their goal in Madrid is to stay at this select club that forces them to progress or be relegated. They compete with seven other teams for four spots. Their fate, like the title, will be decided in Sunday’s qualifying rounds. For the match. absolute pressure.

Both teams are showing confidence. “We have a lot of spirit, a lot of team play, a lot of determination, a lot of competitive spirit.” Olivia Fresneda says about Lionesses. The men’s team did best when they controlled possession. “Playing the ball is more than just standing upright and not crashing, although sometimes we have to do that. Our game is more about moving the ball from one flank to the other, playing with runs,” sums up Paul Pla.

Braking, changing legs, accelerating. There will also be rhythm in the stands. On Saturday from DJ Luke Lauren. On Sunday with performances Ptazetaand Chanel. Paula Hernandez aims to attract new audiences by turning this elite sporting event into a “360-degree experience”: “We focus on fast things, young people have no patience, they want things to happen, not sit still.”

Dubai, Cape Town, Los Angeles, Hong Kong… The World Series gave Spanish players the opportunity to travel around the world. “We know the airports by heart, you won’t see these countries, you will compete, train and play,” says Olivia Fresneda. Paul Pla, taking on this wear and tear, is grateful for “travelling, meeting people, different places, different cultures.”

With the presence of the Frenchman Antoine Dupont as one of the main attractions, The HSBC Series 7 final in Madrid puts Spain on the international rugby map. Lions And Lionesses They also hope to feel the excitement of their fans. For Olivia Fresneda it will be “spectacular”; for Pol Pla it’s “additional motivation.” WITH cougars Among the favorites for the absolute title is Rodrigo Isgro. “I hope many Argentines can come and support us.” He describes his team as a “family” because “to perform well on the court, you first you have feel comfortable on the street.

The athletes will be straining while the audience is looking to be entertained. This is the festive spirit that international rugby sevens is associated with. Paul Pla expresses three wishes. Consistency, Paris Games and third after retirement. “Someday I will have to go there as a spectator. When you see the fans having so much fun, you want to do it.”