Leganés home fits-the-rugby-environment-bill

Article posted by Coliseum, February 12^th, 2026

Image: Spanish Rugby Federation

The Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER – the governing body for the sport of rugby union in Spain) and the Spanish football team Club Deportivo Leganés recently signed a historic agreement that will allow the use of the latter’s digs – the Ontime Butarque Stadium in Leganés, Spain – to become the official headquarters of the RFER in the Community of Madrid for the next three years.

‘ferugby.es’ stated that the event, held at the stadium itself, was attended by Martín Ortega, General Manager (GM) of CD Leganés, Juan Carlos Martín ‘Hansen’, President of the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER), Miguel Ángel Recuenco, Mayor of Leganés, Clara Polonio Córdoba, Councilor for Sports, and Carlos Delgado Pulido, First Deputy Mayor of Leganés.

The Club Deportivo Leganés, S.A.D. is a professional football club based in Leganés, Community of Madrid (Spain). They currently compete in the Segunda División, the Men’s second professional association football division of the Spanish football league system. The Ontime Butarque Stadium serves as their residence.

The 14,500-capacity Ontime Butarque Stadium is a multiuse stadium located in Leganés, Spain. It is currently used for football matches and is the home stadium of Club Deportivo Leganés.

‘ferugby.es’ further stated that with the above partnership Leganés consolidates its home venue’s position as one of the epicenters of Spanish rugby hosting top-level competitions. The first major event will be held on March 15th when the decisive matches of the European Championship (the top-tier annual international rugby union tournament for the European nations) and the Rugby Europe Championship Madrid Finals will be held.

In the Rugby Europe Championship Madrid Finals for the first time Madrid (Spain) will bring together the eight best teams in the Championship to battle on a single day: Belgium, Georgia, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland will compete for the final positions of the Championship and the coveted continental title. A unique occasion for the rugby fans and for anyone wishing to experience a top-level sporting spectacle.

A highly anticipated Final

As part of the agreement the Ontime Butarque Stadium will be one of the two venues hosting the Rugby Europe Championship Finals which will be held on March 15^th in the Community of Madrid. The stadium will host the Semifinals and the Finals of the Rugby Europe Championship.

Maintained Martin Ortega, General Manager, CD Leganés, “Today (January 28^th) is a very important day for us because the above agreement which originated from the match held on November 8^th, showed us that we can host more than just football. Both the organizations share similar values and on that day we considered the possibility of creating something more stable and long-term. This agreement stems from that culminating in Ontime Butarque becoming the official headquarters of the RFER in the Community of Madrid. We want to show that we are capable of hosting these competitions in a modern, accessible and versatile stadium.”

Added Miguel Ángel Recuenco, Mayor of Leganés, “Just over 100 days back we were here playing the first international rugby match in Leganés between Spain and Ireland A. The Leganés fans were overjoyed at being able to see a Spanish national team match in our City and the Coach commented that he had enjoyed the entire day, from the lead-up to the match to the aftermath. Thanks to this agreement we’re putting ourselves on the world sporting map. Leganés is synonymous with sport and this reaffirms our Government’s commitment to this area.”

Remarked Juan Carlos Martín, President, Royal Spanish Rugby Federation, “From the very first moment we have felt very welcome at the Ontime Butarque Stadium and in Leganés. The Royal Spanish Rugby Federation is truly committed to this club, the City and the stadium. The stadium has the perfect ambience to hold rugby matches. We required a landmark venue which showcases Spain the best and the Ontime Butarque Stadium meets that requirement.”

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