Andorra's U-12 Rugby Team Finishes 19th in Debut at Monaco's Tournoi Sainte Dévote

Andorra's under-12 rugby team placed 19th at the prestigious Tournoi Sainte Dévote in Monaco, their debut on the international stage.

The squad from the Federació Andorrana de Rugbi (FAR), coached by David Ximenez, Hener Manel, Riccie Ponce and Paula Gonçalves, faced 24 teams from 23 countries at Stade Louis II. Competitors included established powers such as South Africa, England, Argentina, France, Italy and Georgia, alongside teams from Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Greece, Mauritius, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Wales, Singapore, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Senegal and host Monaco.

England won the title after defeating Senegal in the final of the high-level event, now in its 14th edition and backed by the Princess Charlene Foundation. Andorran players confronted notable physical disparities against sides like Senegal and England, yet showed strong commitment, adaptability and sportsmanship while embracing the tournament's emphasis on friendship, respect and camaraderie.

The roster featured Adrià Bellido, Meir Benlluch, Rivka Benzaquen, Leo Cuadrado, Martí Escorihuela, Ventura Gaset, Theo Ginesta, Samuel Molné, Alma Parra, Liam Roze, Tom Sallés and Noa Ximenez.