MADRID — Few journalists have done more to elevate rugby from niche sport to cultural phenomenon in Spain than Fermín de la Calle. Now in his 50s, the Jerez-born writer and EL PERIÓDICO columnist has spent nearly three decades championing the oval ball, both as a journalist and through four published books. His latest work, Una breve historia del rugby en 9 ensayos (y un drop), argues that rugby is far more than a game—it’s a microcosm of human conflict, diplomacy, and even peacebuilding.

In an exclusive conversation with ArchySport, de la Calle shared how his childhood fascination with the sport evolved into a lifelong mission to document its global impact. “Rugby is unique,” he says. “It’s the only sport where the referee blows the whistle to restart play after a scrum, not to stop it. That tells you everything about its philosophy: conflict resolved, not avoided.”

From London Pubs to Madrid Newsrooms: The Journey of a Rugby Evangelist

The seeds of de la Calle’s obsession were planted in 1970s London, where his father—then a young Spaniard living abroad—became an ardent fan of both the Queens Park Rangers and rugby union. “I grew up watching the Five Nations on black-and-white TV,” he recalls. “My father would explain the rules with such passion that I couldn’t help but be hooked.”

That early exposure would later collide with reality when, as a teenager, de la Calle traveled to Ireland for a summer. While playing rugby with local schoolmates, he suffered a career-altering injury—a broken femur—that kept him in rehabilitation for two years. Yet even from his wheelchair, he found ways to stay connected. “I’d watch matches in the pool during physio, and that’s when I realized rugby wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life,” he says.

After returning to Spain, de la Calle’s professional path took unexpected turns. He worked in finance before eventually circling back to journalism, first at As, then El Confidencial, and eventually Eurosport, where he covered rugby with the same fervor he’d felt as a child. Today, as a columnist for EL PERIÓDICO, he reaches an even broader audience, using his platform to argue that rugby deserves the same media coverage as football or basketball.

“The great paradox of rugby in Spain is that it’s one of the most democratic sports—anyone can pick up a ball and play—but it’s also the most misunderstood. People see it as violent, but they don’t see the discipline, the respect, the way it teaches you to lose with dignity.”

— Fermín de la Calle

A Book That Goes Beyond the Try Line

De la Calle’s latest book, Una breve historia del rugby en 9 ensayos (y un drop) (Eolas Ediciones), is his most ambitious work yet. Structured around 10 iconic moments in rugby history—from the first international match in 1871 to Jonah Lomu’s 1995 World Cup try—the book traces how the sport has mirrored and influenced global events.

“I wanted to show that rugby isn’t just about physicality,” he explains. “It’s about the stories behind the stories. The 1905 tour of the British Isles by the All Blacks, for instance, wasn’t just a sporting event—it was a cultural exchange that shaped New Zealand’s national identity. And during World War I, rugby matches were played in the trenches to maintain a sense of normalcy.”

The book’s title—9 ensayos (y un drop)—is a nod to rugby’s strategic depth. “A drop kick isn’t just a tactical play; it’s a metaphor for how rugby adapts. You can’t always go straight for the try line—sometimes you need to take a step back, reassess, and find another way.”

De la Calle is particularly proud of how the book connects rugby to broader historical narratives. Chapter five, for example, examines how the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand became a catalyst for the anti-apartheid movement, while chapter seven explores how rugby helped rebuild post-war France. “These aren’t just sports stories,” he insists. “They’re human stories.”

Why Rugby Matters More Than You Think

For de la Calle, rugby’s power lies in its ability to foster understanding across divides. “When you play rugby, you learn to respect your opponent, even when you’re trying to destroy them,” he says. “That’s why I believe rugby has the potential to be a tool for peace. Look at the Rugby World Cup—it’s the only major tournament where teams from nations at war have played each other on the field.”

He points to examples like the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where South Africa’s victory underlined the country’s transition from apartheid, or the 2003 match between Argentina and England during the Falklands tensions. “In those moments, rugby becomes a neutral ground where politics can’t interfere,” he argues.

Yet de la Calle is quick to acknowledge the challenges facing rugby in Spain. “The federation is our biggest obstacle,” he says bluntly. “They don’t invest enough in grassroots development, and they’re too slow to adapt to modern media. But that’s why my work is so critical—I’m trying to change perceptions from the outside.”

Where to Find Fermín de la Calle

Fans of rugby history and Spanish sports journalism have a rare opportunity to meet de la Calle in person this week. He will be signing copies of Una breve historia del rugby en 9 ensayos (y un drop) at the Feria del Libro de Madrid on Friday, June 6, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM local time (UTC+2) at caseta 166. The event is free to attend, though copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, June 6, 2026
• Time: 18:00–19:30 (Madrid local time / UTC+2)
• Location: Caseta 166, Feria del Libro de Madrid, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, Spain
• Book: Una breve historia del rugby en 9 ensayos (y un drop) (Eolas Ediciones)

For those unable to attend, de la Calle is planning a series of online discussions later this year, including a virtual book club with rugby historians from around the world. “I want to make rugby accessible to everyone,” he says. “That means reaching people not just in Spain, but globally.”

Key Takeaways: Why This Story Matters

• Rugby as a Cultural Force: De la Calle’s work demonstrates how rugby has shaped—and been shaped by—global history, from colonialism to modern diplomacy.
• Journalism with Purpose: His career shows how sports writing can transcend scores and standings to explore deeper societal themes.
• The Power of Sport: Through stories of reconciliation and resilience, rugby proves that athletics can be a catalyst for positive change.
• Accessibility Matters: Events like his book signing at the Madrid Book Fair help demystify rugby for newcomers and casual fans.
• Spain’s Rugby Potential: While challenges remain, de la Calle’s advocacy highlights the untapped potential of rugby in Iberia.

What’s Next for Fermín de la Calle?

De la Calle has no plans to slow down. He’s already researching his fifth book, tentatively titled Rugby y Revolución, which will explore how the sport has been both a symbol of resistance and a tool for social change. “I’m particularly interested in how rugby has been used in post-conflict societies,” he reveals. “From Northern Ireland to South Africa, it’s fascinating to see how the game helps rebuild trust.”

In the shorter term, he’ll be covering Spain’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, where the national team will be looking to climb the World Rugby rankings. “What we have is our chance to prove we belong on the world stage,” he says. “And I’ll be there every step of the way, writing about more than just the results.”

For readers eager to dive deeper into rugby’s rich history, de la Calle recommends starting with his book, then exploring:

• World Rugby’s official history archives
• The Rugby Chronicles by Mike Moore (for a New Zealand perspective)
• Invincibles by John Carlin (the story behind the 1995 Springbok team)

Final Thought: Why This Story Deserves Your Attention

In an era where sports journalism often focuses on transfer rumors and instant replays, Fermín de la Calle’s work is a refreshing reminder of the power of storytelling. His latest book isn’t just about rugby—it’s about humanity. As he puts it:

“When you watch a rugby match, you’re not just seeing two teams compete. You’re seeing history unfold in real time. That’s why I’ll never stop writing about it.”

— Fermín de la Calle

Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or simply curious about how sports shape our world, de la Calle’s journey—and his latest book—offer a masterclass in how to tell stories that matter. And if you’re in Madrid next Friday, you have the chance to meet the man who’s spent a lifetime making sure the world pays attention.