Menorca, an island known for its tranquil beaches and vibrant culture, is witnessing a growing passion for a sport often associated with larger nations: rugby. The Menorca Rugby Club is at the forefront of this movement, steadily expanding its reach and challenging preconceptions about who can play the game. More than just a sporting endeavor, the club is fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for individuals, particularly women, to discover a new athletic outlet and a supportive network.
For years, rugby on the island was a stop-start affair, with the existence of multiple clubs followed by periods of inactivity. Now, the Menorca Rugby Club stands as the sole entity dedicated to the sport, navigating the challenges of limited facilities whereas simultaneously building a thriving youth program and a pioneering women’s team. The club’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its willingness to adapt, utilizing various locations – the natural grass field at the Maó athletics track, the Municipal de Ses Canaletes in Sant Lluís, and the field in Bintalfa – to accommodate training, and competition. This nomadic existence, while tough, hasn’t dampened the spirit of the organization or its growing number of followers.
A Women’s Team Forged in Camaraderie
Two years ago, a groundbreaking initiative took shape: a senior women’s rugby team, led by experienced coach Alfonso Alibés. What began with a handful of players has blossomed into a notable group, attracting athletes from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Among them is Lea Hernández, a promising young talent born in 2010, who embodies the team’s spirit and potential. Currently in her fourth year of ESO (secondary education), Lea seamlessly balances training with both the men’s cadet team and the senior women’s squad, a testament to her dedication and athleticism.
“I started training with the women’s team at the end of April,” Lea explained. “I had played for a couple of months as a child, but my father and a friend encouraged me to strive again. I wanted to give it another chance.” Her decision to return to rugby was also influenced by a shift away from taekwondo, a discipline that required frequent travel to Ciutadella for training. However, it was the camaraderie within the rugby team that truly captivated her. “I really like the way I interact with my teammates, the recommendations and concerns from the coaches,” she said. “They have taught me a lot about rugby and advise us on nutrition to ensure we have energy for game day.”
The team’s appeal extends to seasoned players like Teresa, who discovered the sport during her university years in Zaragoza. Since moving to Menorca, she’s observed a positive evolution within the local rugby community. “When I arrived, I thought it was great that these girls would grow up and be able to play with me,” she said, affectionately known as ‘Rizos’ by her teammates. Teresa expressed a wish she had discovered rugby earlier in life, noting that she didn’t even know the sport existed in Spain until she was 18.
A Family Affair and a Legacy of Passion
The story of the Menorca Rugby Club is often a family one. Malia Alibés, whose father Alfonso coaches the women’s team, has a lifelong connection to the sport. She recalls watching English players celebrate matches against her father’s team when she was a child. “I grew up within that team, which was like a family, and that same feeling has been transferred to this one,” she said. Malia and her brother Bruno even formed a team in their early years to reduce travel costs for competitions, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to the game.
Malia believes that early exposure to rugby, and playing alongside boys, helped her develop resilience and discipline. “Rugby gives you great discipline,” she explained. “Playing 80-minute games enduring so many contacts helps you mentally. When something bad happens in your daily life, rugby gives you a lot of strength to overcome those problems.” This sentiment is echoed by Noa, who joined the team around the age of 14 after previously boxing. She actively recruited new teammates, successfully bringing players like Maram into the fold. Maram, who had no prior knowledge of rugby in Menorca, found herself instantly captivated by the sport, despite initial concerns from her protective parents.
Building a Community, One Scrum at a Time
The newest members of the team, like Maria and Xènia, were drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere and the support of their teammates. “We found a spectacular group of girls who play incredibly,” they said. “They generate a community off the field that is also very vital. They have a lot of patience.” The team’s spirit is perhaps best summarized by ‘Rizos’, who emphasized the inclusive nature of the sport. “Everyone has their role. If you’re the fattest, you’re going to be in the scrum and you’re going to beat everyone else,” she joked. “I encourage all girls of any age to try rugby because it is a wonderful sport.”
The Menorca Rugby Club’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and community. While the club currently lacks a dedicated regulatory body to promote the sport, its organic growth and the enthusiasm of its players suggest a bright future for rugby in Menorca. The club continues to seek opportunities to expand its reach and provide a welcoming environment for anyone interested in experiencing the unique camaraderie and challenges of this dynamic sport. The next step for the club involves continued recruitment and securing more consistent access to training facilities, ensuring the continued growth of both its youth and senior programs.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Menorca Rugby Club or joining their ranks, please visit their Facebook page here. Share this story to help spread the word about this growing sport on the island!
