World Rugby have confirmed the launch of a brand new four-team invitational tournament ‘La Vila International Rugby Cup’. The two-week competition is an opportunity for the emerging nations of Spain and Brazil to battle it out with the North American sides this November.
Hosted in Villajoyosa’s El Pantano stadium in the Spanish Province of Alicante, the action takes place over two weekends of match days, on November 11th and 18th. The United States take on Brazil and Spain face Canada on the opening weekend, before the ‘finals weekend’ features a third-place play off between the two losing sides, and a grand final for the two winners.
All four nations came close to competing at Rugby World Cup 2023, however Chile and Uruguay managed to secure the qualification slots from the Americas. Preparations are now ramping up for the next cycle of qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. USA, meanwhile, will host the 2031 tournament in eight years time.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2023 has demonstrated how much our performance unions benefit from playing regularly, not only against the best teams in the world but also in competitive matches against each other.
“As well as broader discussions on the calendar, World Rugby is continuing to work extremely hard to create and fund opportunities like this, working with new towns and partners with the ultimate goal being to increase competitiveness across the board.”
At the tournament’s unveiling the Mayor of Villajoyosa Marcos Zaragoza was joined by the Director General of the Federación Española de Rugby Miguel Ángel Martín, who promised in a World Rugby statement: “magnificent facilities, enviable weather and a city committed to supporting the event through its passion for sport and rugby”.
“This type of event puts us on the map,” added Mayor Zaragoza. “For fans desperate to watch more international rugby after the Rugby World Cup, or maybe for those who didn’t manage to get tickets for France 2023, we are here with four wonderful test matches. For us, this is a chance to promote our town and welcome new visitors from overseas.”
President of La Vila Rugby Club, Guillem Carrión said: “For four days in November, La Vila will be at the epicentre of world rugby, which is a matter of huge pride. It is unprecedented to host an international competition of this stature in Spain and the name of Villajoyosa will be beamed around the world.”
Match schedule (all times local CET)
(World Rugby Men’s Rankings)
11 November, 2023
16:00 – Match 1 – USA (18) v Brazil (26)
20:00 – Match 2 – Spain (19) v Canada (23)
18 November, 2023
16:00 – Loser Match 1 v Loser Match 2 (Third place play-off)
20:00 – Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 (Final)