We went to discover the fantastic story of a Portuguese Beach Rugby team that, strangely enough, won the Spanish championship and saved their club from inactivity.
1.When and how was the Juromenha Beach Rugby team formed?
The current Beach Rugby team of the Juromenha Rugby Club made its debut at the 2021 Torneo de Rugby Playa de Cadiz, which was held in that Spanish city on July 17, 2021.
The formation of this team was the idea of the Club’s President, Paulo Jaleco, who, seeing that the Club was inactive and almost heading towards extinction, challenged his son Pedro to form an invitational team to participate in the “off-season,” representing the Juromenha Rugby Club. It was like a return to the origins, as the Club, founded in 1997, had as its initial goal to be a club of guests, friends of Rugby, who came together to practice their chosen sport and promote the name of the small village of Juromenha.
The Cadiz Tournament was then chosen, where Pedro Jaleco had participated the previous year, representing CR Atlético Portuense.
Invitations were sent out, and thus the first “Barbos” team was formed, as it became known, which included some sons of former Club players.
The participation ended up being a success at all levels, because in addition to winning the Tournament, in a very close final against Cisneros of Madrid, the atmosphere was unforgettable, laying the foundations for the creation of the team.
2.Participation in international tournaments seemed to be your main focus from the beginning. What led to this decision?
The Cadiz Tournament, where we debuted, was part of the Spanish Series, which were divided into several stages along the country’s vast coastline.
We found it interesting to participate in these Series, and it was a good thing we did, as we ended up winning them in the following 2 years, which gave us the title of Spanish Beach Rugby Champions in 2022 and 2023, which was quite ironic, a Portuguese club becoming champion of Spain…
Participation in International Tournaments is naturally related to the objectives associated with the creation of the team, in which, in addition to playing Rugby, the camaraderie among everyone, the search for other places, and, as already mentioned, taking the name of our Club around the world, has always been prioritized.
Basically, continuing the history of travel, well rooted in the Club’s past.
3.What are the criteria for selecting athletes for the Juromenha Beach Rugby team?
The main criteria is friendship.
Each Barbo can propose new members for the Club. Everyone knows that when proposed by a Barbo, they will meet the necessary conditions to integrate into the group. And there have been no failures. Currently, we have 75 athletes who have worn the Barbos jersey, coming from a wide variety of Portuguese clubs and some foreign ones, who are like a family
4.You participated in the Figueira Beach Rugby tournament for the first time in 2025. How would you describe the experience?
As expected, it was fantastic.
For some reason, it’s considered the best Beach Rugby tournament in Europe.
It brings together everything we look for: good rugby, lots of fun, and exemplary organization. We had been trying to participate for a few years, but due to scheduling difficulties and also because we have some players who represent one of the tournament’s regulars, Piranhas do Almansor, it hadn’t been possible yet.
We did it at the right time. We didn’t manage to win, but reaching the final was already a noteworthy result
Just out of curiosity, the Juromenha Rugby Club had already participated in the 2012 edition with a veterans’ team.
5.In August, the team represented Portugal in the European Beach Rugby Championship organized by Rugby Europe, becoming European champions. What was that like?
It’s indescribable.
Having the honor of representing our country in an official Rugby Europe competition and winning the European title is something none of the participants will ever forget. We will all cherish that event in our memories, which is, without a doubt, the most significant moment in our Club’s history.
Playing the final in the completely packed Orange Arena, with over 1000 people, against the home team, was thrilling!
6.What are the plans for the future of Juromenha Beach Rugby? Will we see each other again in Figueira in 2026?
Continue keeping this family united, participate in various tournaments, travel, and take the name of Juromenha around the world through Rugby and under the motto of friendship.
The plans are to continue doing what we have been doing so far.
Regarding Figueira Beach 2026, we will definitely participate.
Follow “The Barbos” Team on their Official Instagram Account
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