Elite Rugby Program in Seville, Spain
- FOR: University rugby student-athlete
- LOCATION: Seville, Spain
- TERMS: Summer / Fall / Spring / Academic year
- RUGBY REQS.: See Requirements >>
- LANG. REQS: No prior Spanish required for many tracks
Continue your rugby career while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. Join a competitive Spanish club, train in a high-performance environment, and experience European rugby culture while earning university credit.
Elite Rugby Experience
- Placement on a Spanish Rugby XV team
- 3 training sessions per week
- Weekly league matches (coach selection)
High-Performance Development
- Experienced Spanish coaching staff
- Evening training sessions
- Professional club environment
Top-Level Spanish Rugby Club
- Train with a División de Honor club
- Integrated into the U23 academy squad
- Performance-focused development pathway
European Rugby Experience
- Compete against Spanish clubs
- Experience authentic rugby culture in Spain
- Develop alongside Spanish teammates
To participate in the Elite Rugby Program, students must:
- Be an active member of a college or competitive rugby club.
- Submit 2–3 recent game or training videos to Sean Chipres at seanrc@saiie.com
- Complete the Student Application Form.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester
September 17 – December 12, 2026 - Spring Semester
February 4 – May 13, 2027
Program Fees
Program | Fee |
|---|---|
Semester | €700 |
Academic Year | €1,300 |
What’s Included
- Placement on a Spanish rugby team (Rugby XV).
- Rugby program fees and Spanish federation license required to train and compete with a Spanish team.
- 3 team training sessions per week throughout the term.
- Weekly matches against other Spanish teams
- Official team equipment.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
- Application Cycle Opens: October 1
- Application Deadline: April 1
Spring Semester
- Application Cycle Opens: April 1
- Application Deadline: October 1
Academic Year
- Application Cycle Opens: October 1
- Application Deadline: April 1
FAQ
If you do not see your question listed here please contact us.
Rugby FAQ’s
For most trainings, you will be playing on artificial turf. However, sometimes you may be training or playing on natural grass.
Our athletes are integrated into the U23 academy squad of a top-level rugby club in Seville, competing at the highest level of the sport in Spain — the División de Honor.
What type of rugby shoes do I need?
You will need rugby shoes suitable for artificial turf and natural grass grounds.
Trainings will be held in the evenings. Generally starting around 7:00 pm. , 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm
Trainings will be one in a half to two hours long.
There will be 2-3 training sessions per week depending on the time of the season.
Yes. You will be training with Spaniards, on a Spanish team, with Spanish coaches. This is an important aspect of the cultural immersion part of the program, as you will be surrounded by native Spanish speakers in a Spanish speaking environment which gives you a great opportunity to practice the language.
Is transportation to trainings included in the total program cost?
No, transportation is not included.
Approximately $100 per term.
The rugby training grounds are about a 40 minute bus ride away.
Yes, we will organize to go watch a professional “División de Honor” match (professional Spanish Rugby League) in the spring and fall terms.
You will get a license to be able to compete with your Spanish team weekly. It will depend of your coach if you play or not.
Voices from Seville
Testimonials
Parents and student-athletes on training, language, and life with SAIIE.
Parents
Our son was lucky enough to find the SAIIE rugby Spanish program in Sevilla. He’s had an incredible year. The friends he has made, the camaraderie with his rugby teammates, and the experience of being in Sevilla have broadened his horizons and inspired him. The Spanish lessons and the ability to use what he learned in those lessons on a daily basis were phenomenal. With respect to the rugby, the quality of the Spanish rugby academy is very high and his immersion in game play (in Spanish) are building experiences that any athlete will recognize as a force multiplier to their skills.
Carlos Menacho
Students
Would highly recommend to any American rugby players, high level of rugby and great coaching staff along with low stress day to day life including school and other activities.
Lucas Menacho
More stories on @saiieathletics.
APPLY NOW
To start your application please complete the student form. For athletics questions contact the Director of Program Development & Student Experience, Sean Chipres, at seanrc@saiie.com.
Photos
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