VPC Andorra Rugby Targets €400K Budget with Cost Cuts After Sponsor Loss

VPC Andorra Rugby president Èric Caporali presented a €400,000 budget target for next season at the club's end-of-season assembly at Estadi Nacional on Monday, highlighting initial cost cuts yielding €60,000 to €70,000 in savings and a strong emphasis on youth players.

The measures, part of a "shock plan" following the loss of main sponsor River Andorra, include lowering first-team wages, ending contracts for a physiotherapist, dropping expensive player rental housing, adjusting the coaching staff, and avoiding semi-professional signings. These steps aim to restore financial stability after government aid rescued the club, which reached promotion playoffs in Spain's Elite last season. Caporali noted the commitments made to the government to tighten spending. The budget will hold steady, backed by the public grant and a new private sponsor deal already secured.

On the field, coach Santi Lugones's senior men's team will stay in División de Honor B, drawing heavily from the club's youth system for both senior and reserve squads. The return of Gastón González was flagged for his kicking ability and base involvement. "The base is working well and will be the club's future," Caporali said. The club fields six teams: men's senior A and B, women's, and under-14, under-16, and under-18 sides.

The board added vice presidents Josep Casals, overseeing institutional relations and sponsorships, and Gerard Soteras, a former player dedicated to youth development. Jordi Fidalgo continues leading the women's team amid player departures for studies or retirement; the club seeks ways to keep young talents training.

Caporali warned of Spanish Rugby Federation changes potentially merging Honor B's three groups into two of 10 teams each, raising competition and travel demands. He called the outlook "very tough, both sportingly and economically," while pushing to grow membership and crowds. "The public is our sixth player," he said.