As Spain reach World Cup, rugby's age-old values are to be celebrated

Spain’s place at the Rugby World Cup was at stake against Portugal, so it was the ideal opportunity to go and watch a sport that has kept hold of so many values that its richer cousin, football, has shed over time. It’s been raining cats and dogs in Madrid of late, but on Sunday the Spanish capital was bathed in sunshine and optimism. Fans had packed out the old, beloved Estadio Central, a venue that’s so in keeping with the game’s down-to-earth character. Rugby always offers so much that makes you yearn for the past. There were no turnstiles, no protocols, no numbered seats. The atmosphere of a peaceful sporting pilgrimage.

Spain banish memories of four years ago to reach World Cup

A ticket to France 2023 was up for grabs. Four years ago, Spain’s World Cup dream went up in smoke because of some scandalous refereeing (although you have to say these things quietly in rugby). This time they made it, thanks to a mightily hard-fought 33-28 win. Spain’s pack was stronger and dominated the rucks and mauls, but the Portuguese were much the better side with ball in hand. There were moments when I was reminded of those boxing posters from days of yore, advertising ‘a heavy hitter vs a fleet-footed technician’. The heavy hitter won, despite some schoolboy errors that infuriated the folks I was watching with: the Spanish comedian Leo Harlem and the less well-known Fernando Canas, an administrator of rugby in Spain.

I admire the way rugby has stayed faithful to its essence

It was an enjoyable early afternoon of rugby, with the simple charm of different times. It’s not that I think everything was better in the past, but I admire how rugby stays true to its roots, how it remains capable of reproducing the kind of atmosphere I used to experience in my now far-off days at university. I’m not sure why, but I left the stadium thinking of a Jean Giradoux quote: “A rugby team has 15 players: eight strong and active, two light and fast, four well built and quick, and a full-back who is a model of sang froid and cool conduct. Between men, those are perfect proportions.” That's rugby. A unique sport, a sanctuary of age-old values.