Spain deserve to be in the Olympic Games - Garcia

Patricia Garcia’s English is almost as good as her handling skills, which, as followers of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series would agree, is really saying something.

Both talents come as a result of her time in New Zealand, where she played scrum-half with Waikato, developing her playing abilities as well as a second language. 

“I learned a lot of things in New Zealand,” admitted a reflective Garcia ahead of the second round of the series this weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“In terms of rugby, it was amazing. There is a huge difference between New Zealand and Spain, not just the level of the players and the competition, but in terms of the atmosphere, culture and doing the little things that make a big difference.”

So, it’s fair to say that when Las Leonas shocked New Zealand in London last May to end their 37-game winning streak, it was a moment of personal satisfaction for Garcia.

“It was a great moment for us. Beating New Zealand was amazing – it made the news in Spain and a lot of people were talking about it," Garcia said.

“We were looking to make a statement that weekend and it really helped the team.”

However the win over New Zealand masked some years of unsettled performances, which Garcia attributed to changes in the Spanish union.

“It was difficult for us. Up until the Rugby World Cup Sevens (in 2013) it was going fine, we were going up in performance levels and we were learning all the time, but then there were a lot of changes in the union, with coaches and staff.

“For the team that was difficult in terms of performance. We were changing the project every single year. Meanwhile all the other teams were going up and progressing while we were up and down.

“But I think that we’re getting settled now, with the same plan and the same staff so I don’t think we have the excuse anymore.” 

With the focus firmly on the road to Rio 2016 in August for most teams on the series, it’s a reminder that Spain have yet to qualify for the Olympic Games and have their last chance at the repechage event in Dublin in June.

“Spain deserves to be at the Olympics, that’s for sure,” insisted Garcia.

“It’s our objective, it’s our last chance and it has been the big focus for quite some time now. We know it will be tough … I think Russia and Ireland deserve to be there too but there’s only one place left!”

Spain's immediate focus, though, is round two of the series in Sao Paulo where they have been drawn in Pool B, possibly the toughest of the three pools. It features Dubai runners-up Russia, defending champions New Zealand and USA who will both have a point to prove after the opening round. Garcia, though, is still optimistic.

“We’re really looking forward to competing again and to measuring our performance on the field. We know that we face Russia in the first game which will be tough, but we want to make a statement.

“We like Brazil, we feel at home in this amazing stadium and it’s one of my favourite places to play on the series.”

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Finally, as Garcia got ready to train with her side under the hot sun in Sao Paulo, the 26-year-old playmaker acknowledged that she’s in the prime of her career, but has she looked past the Olympic dream?

“There is a 15s Rugby World Cup coming up (in Ireland in 2017), there is Tokyo 2020 and I’ll continue to compete with the national team.

“But away from that, I’d like to develop some projects to promote rugby’s values and educate kids about the values of the game, not just in Spain but around the world.”

Patricia Garcia. One to keep an eye on this weekend, and beyond.