Harlequins Women have today confirmed that former Spanish international captain Laura ‘Bimba’ Delgado will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
A pioneer and trailblazer for Women’s rugby in Spain, Delgado’s career has seen her play across the globe in England, Spain, France, America and New Zealand, alongside representing her country on 53 occasions, captaining Las Leonas at the 2017 and 2025 Rugby World Cups.
Delgado first took up rugby at the age of 21 in Cadiz whilst recovering from a hammer throwing injury and has since gone on to achieve plenty in the Women’s game.
Delgado will retire having won 8 Rugby Europe Championships with Spain, the WXV3 title in 2024, two PWR titles, one Farah Palmer Championship title in New Zealand and an Allianz Cup.
An infectious personality both on and off the field, Delgado joined Harlequins Women from Gloucester-Hartpury in 2024, becoming a key character within the squad and a player who has quickly become a fan favourite.
On the announcement of her retirement from the game, Delgado said: “To my family and friends, thank you for being the roots of my career. I never forgot where I came from and that has made everything even more special.”
“To every one of my teammates and coaches, to the staff and to all those who have supported me, none of this would have been possible without you. Thank you.”
“Cádiz CF, Sanse Scrum, Sel. Madrileña, Tarbes Pyrénées, CRAT A Coruña, Sel. Andaluza, Philadelphia RFC, Universitario Sevilla CR, DMP Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Central, Hawkes Bay, Gloucester Hartpury and Harlequins. It has been an honour to wear these colours. To my Leonas, you have been my engine.”
“To my Harlequins family, thank you for giving me the best ending you possibly could, on and off the pitch.”
Harlequins Women’s Head Coach Ross Chisholm also paid tribute to Delgado, as she prepares to bring the curtain down on her storied career:
“I want to take the time to congratulate Bimba on her incredible career. From playing across the world, to captaining her country and appearing at World Cups, she is a player who has been a real trailblazer for Women’s sport in Spain.”
“Since being a part of the Club, it’s been easy to see why she has had the career she has had. She is passionate, hard-working and an incredible player and person. We want to wish her all the best in her retirement from playing and the next stage of her career.”
With thanks to Harlequins
