Spain are European Champions again and a double farewell
Last November we had the rare spectacle of a head coach and a captain retiring at the same moment, Ireland’s Adam Griggs and Ciara Griffin. In far more bizarre circumstances José Antonio Barrio and Patricia Garcia Rodriguez made their final contributions to the Spanish cause last weekend.
Patricia Garcia Rodriguez (Photo: World Rugby)
More bizarre, because the match was against Russia, right in the middle of the conflict for Ukraine’s soul. Rugby Europe determined that, because the game was taking place on Spanish soil, in Madrid, it could go ahead.
In a sternly worded statement they said they were suspending all rugby activities in Russia. The final joust of the European Championships, Russia versus the Netherlands in Moscow, is bound not to happen.
For the sixth time running Spain were clear-cut winners of the Euro Cup, winning 27-0. Russia defended stoutly, but could rarely play themselves into the Spanish half.
Almost inevitably, Garcia played a leading role in proceedings, scoring a try and kicking a penalty before being replaced ten minutes from the end.
This brings to an end an outstanding international career in 15s and 7s, though with any luck, Exeter Chiefs will retain her services for a good while longer. She already has a role in charge of development there. She has been a leading ambassador for the game in her nation.
The Spaniards must wonder what they have left to prove. They have won this tournament on three other occasions, to prove themselves by far the best side in Europe beyond the exclusive club of the 6 Nations.
As the 6N board debates possible futures for its tournament, Spain can only hope for more favourable treatment than they received in 2007.
