Andorra Women's Rugby Team Debuts in European 15s Championship

Andorra's women's rugby team, known as Les Grandalles, is set to make history this Saturday by playing their first official match in a European 15s Championship. The debut will take place in the Women's Conference against a physically strong Croatia side, away from home.

Coached by Jordi Fidalgo, the squad draws heavily from players at VPC club, supplemented by others competing outside the Principat. Without captain Noelia Pauls, the 23-player roster includes Alba Albarellos, ‘Gaby’ Anca, Marta Areny, Miren Barciela, Mariona Barcons, Lea Bonell, Chiara Cerqueda, Noa Díaz, ‘Dani’ Ferreira, Anna Fonsubirà, Mireia Galiano, Maria Àngels Garcia, Frida Jimènez, Carla Micas, Léa Mora, Cèlia Palumbo, Zoe Sánchez, Noa Sánchez, ‘Pattu’ Sucarrat, Èlia Taulats, ‘Andry’ Teixeira, Xènia Torres and Dúnia Urrea.

Fidalgo acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting limited information on Croatia and Andorra's typical physical disadvantages. He highlighted strengths in speed and ball-handling skills that the team plans to exploit fully. Teammate Carla Micas expressed optimism, saying the side approaches the game with strong determination to secure a win.

Croatia, under coach Petra Druskovic, has already played one match this season—a 5-55 defeat to Georgia in February.

Meanwhile, Andorra's under-12 base team from the Federació Andorrana de Rugbi (FAR) will also compete internationally this weekend at the Sainte Dévote Tournament in Monaco on Friday and Saturday. The 12-player group, featuring three girls for the first time, faces at least seven matches against top teams including New Zealand.

Micas praised the inclusion of young girls, calling it vital for the sport's future in Andorra. Among the players is Noa Ximènez, who shared her excitement, and debutant Samuel Molné, who said the team has trained hard and aims to claim victories.