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Spain’s search for a new head coach is over. Following the unfortunate outcome of Rugby World Cup 2023 disqualification and World Rugby’s decision to keep Spain out of the tournament, a new era is underway. It is strongly linked to South America with Pablo Bouza having been chosen as the new head coach.
The confirmation comes months after Bouza was singled out for the job by Spain. At the time the Real Federación Española de Rugby (FER) President, Juan Carlos Martín ‘Hansen’, announced in his 2023 General Assembly presentation that Pablo Bouza is the chosen candidate to be Los Leones Head Coach.
Bouza is a well-known coach in Spanish-language rugby circles. He earned 37 test caps for Argentina from 1996-2007. He played both second-row and N8 and scored four tries at RWC 2003. He played profesional rugby in England for the Harlequins and Leeds.
As a coach, Bouza has been involved in key teams for two South American countries. He was an assistant to Daniel Hourcade with Los Pumas and head coach of Peñarol in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) and Super Rugby Americas.
His ties to Uruguay also extend to Los Teros; Bouza was involved in preparations ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023. In addition to being an assistant coach with Los Teros, Bouza is also a Sudamérica Rugby High Performance consultant. Uruguay competed in Pool A against France, Italy, New Zealand, and Namibia.
Spain watched as Uruguay impressed at the tournament. Los Teros defeated Namibia and challenged both France and Italy. Spain has the objective of qualifying for and competing at Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Talks between the FER and Bouza have stressed the intention of transferring Spain into a Tier 1 side. This long-term objective will begin following Bouza completing his commitments with Uruguay.
Bouza was head coach of the Argentina XV in 2016. The Argentine side were champions of the inaugural Pan American tournament. His involvement with Los Pumas and Los Teros make him prime real-estate for the FER. As a native Spanish-speaker additional boxes are ticked.
The FER are also chasing Pierre-Henry Broncan. The Castres trainer from 2020-2023 is being sought as an advisor. He would be part of the team alongside Bouza.
The decision to sign Pablo Bouza is part of Spain’s new direction. Spain is looking to South America. Juan Carlos Martín ‘Hansen’, is a close ally of Agustín Pichot and Sudamérica Rugby. Spain hosted Argentina at the Wanda Metropolitano (Civitas Metropolitano) in Madrid on August 26, 2023.
