In the wake of Cuba’s economic hardships and a population marked by decline, a spark of hope flickers on the rugby pitch. ⚡ Despite the Covid-19 pandemic nearly extinguishing the island’s rugby scene, a resilient group of enthusiasts refuses to let the sport fade away. With French support fueling a youth-focused training revolution, Rugby Sevens is gradually regaining ground, igniting new dreams for Cuban athletes and the nation’s place in the international rugby world. This renewed push centers on the Stade Rugby Académie Cuba, launched in 2025 through a unique Franco-Cuban cooperation that aims to nurture up to 100 boys and girls, aged 6 to 16. The ambitious program doesn’t just teach the game; it builds resilience, community, and opportunity amid a backdrop of severe resource scarcity.
Cuba’s rugby revival is no mere pastime; it’s a strategic sports development effort leveraging the Olympic status of Rugby Sevens to inspire youth participation. Seeing nearly half the academy comprised of talented young women highlights a promising shift in gender inclusion within the sport. Notably, many recruits are former handball players attracted by the new horizons rugby offers in a country where baseball and volleyball dominate.
Challenges remain plenty — from energy shortages that delay league schedules to a dwindling player base due to emigration. Yet, dedicated figures like Olivier Proust, Philippe Benassi, and local leaders such as Alexis Figueras focus on grassroots efforts, bringing rugby into challenged neighborhoods as a powerful outlet for youth. This resurgence leverages targeted training programs, international cooperation, and a clear vision of athlete development to spark what may be the most authentic rugby revolution Cuba has seen.
As 2026 unfolds, observers must watch closely how these seedling efforts translate into meaningful participation in regional sevens tournaments and beyond. The hope is that not only will Cuba’s rugby scene grow, but that it will channel this upward momentum into pride, international recognition, and perhaps even an athletic career abroad. This rising passion is a bold reminder that sports growth often blooms brightest from adversity and dedicated youth training.
In brief:
🔥 Rugby Sevens makes a strong comeback in Cuba post-pandemic amid economic and social challenges
🎯 French-backed youth academy aims to train 100 players, with a striking gender mix
🌍 Focus on Rugby Sevens taps Olympic aspirations to boost sport’s profile and opportunities
🏆 Grassroots efforts in Havana’s poorest neighborhoods showcase rugby’s transformative power
🚀 Ambitious plans for regional competition participation and athlete development pipelines abroad
How Youth Training Is Shaping the New Face of Rugby Sevens in Cuba
In a country where rugby once hovered on the fringes, youth training programs have become the engine powering Cuban Rugby’s resurgence. As the island grapples with economic pressures and a population in decline, rugby’s revival paradoxically thrives on the athletic potential and determination of youth recruited largely from underprivileged areas in Havana. This focus on youth training is not just about building athletes; it is about constructing social fabric and pathways toward brighter futures through sport.
The Stade Rugby Académie Cuba represents the heart of this transformation. Launched with the backing of the French embassy and Cuba’s National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation, the academy had enrolled 75 youths by early 2026, aiming for 80 or more by year-end. What makes this effort notable is its strong inclusiveness, with girls comprising nearly half the participants—many transitioning from other sports like handball. This blend of backgrounds provides a rich talent pool ideally suited for the agility and pace demanded by Rugby Sevens.
Such programs also offer respite and hope in a country where daily life can be grim. Coaches like Alexis Figueras emphasize bringing rugby to neighborhoods plagued by poverty and infrastructure shortages, giving kids an alternative to idle time and social hardships. The approach is holistic, marrying grassroots rugby growth with expert coaching and community-building, steering Cuban rugby into new, exciting directions.
The Role of International Cooperation in Cuban Sports Growth
France’s involvement in reviving Cuban rugby exemplifies how international cooperation can breathe new life into sports development under difficult circumstances. Philippe Benassi, the French attaché for cooperation, highlights how the Rugby Sevens team visit for the 2024 Olympics acted as a catalyst for the current initiatives. The project leverages resources from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Fonds Équipe de France, focusing on sustainable local training programs, coach education, and tournament organization.
Key to sustainability are exchanges like sending Cuban coaches and referees to training camps in Guadeloupe and France, as well as hosting experts in Havana to upskill the local rugby community. Joël Guillen, a Cuban-born analyst working in France, provides a vivid example; his week-long coaching sessions in Cuba last fall boosted local coaches’ understanding of player engagement and development tactics.
This collaboration also seeks to cement Cuba’s place in regional rugby circuits. The goal is to build a credible presence in Rugby Americas North competitions and eventually participate in Pan-American Games. Hosting new sevens tournaments in Havana with regional teams on the horizon will thrust Cuban rugby into the spotlight, offering invaluable exposure and competition experience for young players poised to become national representatives.
The Growing Impact of Rugby Sevens Tournaments on Cuban Athlete Development
Rugby Sevens tournaments serve as critical proving grounds for Cuban players emerging through new training pipelines. After years of stagnation worsened by the pandemic and economic woes, 2026 marks a crucial period where these competitions may define Cuba’s trajectory in international rugby.
Current efforts focus on nurturing a rugby culture that prioritizes speed, skill, and tactical sharpness—core elements of the Sevens format. An upcoming Havana tournament aims to welcome teams from the Caribbean and Americas, exposing academy players to a higher caliber of play and helping them gauge their progress. Such experiences are essential for athlete development, offering lessons not just in technique but also resilience and sportsmanship.
Moreover, the integration of female athletes, many of whom transitioned from handball, enriches these tournaments with diversity and competitive vigor. This inclusive model increases player reach and enhances talent discovery, encouraging more youth to take up rugby seriously. The ambition is clear: use the momentum from sevens tournaments to elevate Cuba’s standing regionally and eventually on the Olympic stage itself.
