Navarra Rugby Field Project: Federation Criticism | Pamplona Sports News

Navarra Rugby Federation Voices Disappointment as New Field Project faces Indefinite Delay

A long-awaited rugby field in Pamplona, a project representing two decades of advocacy, has been put on hold, sparking frustration from the Navarra Rugby Federation. The delay,confirmed by the Navarra Sports Infrastructure plan 2026-2029,pushes the potential start of construction to a timeframe beyond the current regional and municipal governments’ terms.

The proposed facility, planned for the Berichitos area near Aquavox San Jorge, was envisioned to address a critical shortage of dedicated rugby infrastructure in the region. Initial budgets allocated 1.2 million euros from the capital’s accounts and an additional one million euros between 2024 and 2025 from the Institute of Sports and Physical Activity. however,a statement from the Federation notes that “during 2025 no work has been carried out in that space,” raising concerns about the project’s future.

“The possible start of the works is moved to a range between 2027 and 2029,” the Federation highlighted in a press release,”a time frame that already exceeds this legislature and,thus,the current regional and municipal governments.”

Did you know? – The Navarra rugby Federation has been advocating for a dedicated rugby field for 20 years. The lack of facilities hinders the sport’s growth in the region, impacting player development and competition opportunities.

The need for a dedicated public rugby field was identified as a “main need” in a recent sports infrastructure diagnosis, yet the Federation laments that “other projects have been carried out that had less priority in that diagnosis.” While acknowledging that rugby shouldn’t supersede other sporting needs, the organization emphasized that the lack of facilities has “been the main brake on it’s development for more than two decades.”

The situation is particularly acute in pamplona, where the two local clubs, La Única and Iruña, collectively represent over 500 licensed players, the majority of whom are minors. Currently, both clubs rely on the facilities of the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and the University of Navarra (UN) for training and matches. La Única’s nearly 400 athletes utilize the UPNA grounds,while Iruña trains at the UN,also playing their games at the UPNA on a sand-based pitch.

Pro tip – Collaboration between sports federations and universities can provide temporary solutions for facility shortages. However, these arrangements are often dependent on continued access and may not meet long-term needs.

The arrangement wiht the UPNA is secured through a collaboration protocol with the INDAF and the FNR, providing some stability. Though, the use of the UN facilities remains contingent on the private university’s continued willingness to provide access. Both facilities are currently operating at full capacity, and the UPNA pitch requires “intense maintenance work” to meet the standards required for Honor Division matches, the level at which La Única’s first men’s team competes.

Adding to the urgency,the Federation points to the inadequacy of this year’s allocated budget of 500,000 euros for essential upgrades. “This is clearly insufficient for the installation of artificial grass that would allow the use currently given to the field without compromising its approval,” a representative stated. The potential for the annual RFER inspection to deem the UPNA field unsuitable would leave La Única without an approved playing field wi

Reader question – What are the long-term consequences for Navarra’s rugby development if a dedicated field isn’t built? Share your thoughts on prioritizing sports infrastructure.