Are we ready for what’s going to be another sensational Women’s Rugby Europe Championship? With the competition set to go live on Saturday, the 28th of February, we picked eight players for you to follow closely, as they will produce some of the finest pieces of skill of the entire roster.
Claudia Peña Hidalgo (Spain – Harlequins)
A one of a kind. Claudia Peña Hidalgo is definitely one of the most special and spectacular players in the world of rugby, and that’s not even debatable. The Spanish international has set the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship, the PWR and the World Cup alight in the last few years, entangling the best tacklers of the game every single time she goes for the break.
Her skill repertoire is endless, ranging from a precise kicking game to a fearless tackling attitude that can put any ball carrier down. Even if the opposition manages to erect a tight defensive wall, Peña Hidalgo will find a way to overcome it and push Spain closer to the winning song.
© Walter Domingo
Lourdes Alameda (Spain – AC Bobigny)
A (very tall) brick wall with wheels, that’s who Lourdes Alameda is. The AC Bobigny lock is one of the last living legends of Las Leonas, ready to help the team secure another successful title run.
Having been around for the last 13 years, Alameda enjoys the gritty side of things, working tirelessly around the ruck, breakdown, maul and contact line to give her side an extra edge.
However, her influence on the team doesn’t end with her playing ability, as her leadership and inspirational voice have been key to getting Spain back on its feet.
Alameda’s profound passion for the game, Spain and her teammates is felt in every second and play, making her one of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship headliners.
© Walter Domingo
Inger Jongerius (Netherlands – FC Grenoble)
The Netherlands has been steadily developing some of Rugby Europe’s strongest personnel, with FC Grenoble Amazones’ Inger Jongerius being an excellent example of their player pathway.
Aside from her brilliant set-piece knowledge, the 30-year-old lock has a knack for winning the gain-line, making every carry count in her bid to help her side get closer to the opposition’s in-goal area.
With the Women Oranje determined to end Spain’s dominance, Jongerius will be vital to their finally achieving their goal of becoming champions of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship.
© Dennis Van de Sande
Linde van der Velden (Netherlands – Exeter Chiefs)
One of the biggest names of the women’s game, Linde van der Velden, is locked and ready to trample opposition players in her way to help the Netherlands become the competition’s nº1 contender!
A legend of the sport, the utility forward’s experience and deep understanding of the game can change the outcome of any match, especially in what concerns the set-piece and the counter-ruck.
Amongst her top stats, van der Velden’s 80% success of winning the gain line, 18 tackle busts and ten dominant tackles stand out, giving a glimpse of why van der Velden is still seen as her country’s top operator.
Her superb and inspiring performance against Spain in 2025 was almost enough to secure a victory, giving Dutch fans hope that something great can happen in the near future.
© Walter Domingo
Sara Moreira (Portugal – RC Toulon)
Another stellar enforcer of the Rugby Europe universe, Sara Moreira, has already rolled up her sleeves and is ready to start throwing bodies to the floor with all her might and power.
The Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée flanker has an insatiable hunger to keep working overtime, devoting her whole being to find a way to secure the oval-shaped ball and help Portugal ignite a lethal counter-attacking play.
In 2025, Moreira clinched seven turnovers, which were crucial to Portugal’s overall positive performance in the competition, proving how invaluable she has become to her team.
Moreira has been a remarkable representative of the Lobas since they joined the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship, becoming one of the first names in João Moura’s team sheet.
© Miguel Carmo
Isabel Ozório (Portugal – Sport Porto)
A legend of the Portuguese rugby community, Isabel Ozório has been a faithful servant of the Lobas since her time as a 7s representative, putting her kicking and game-management skills to good use in 15s as well.
The utility back has been playing a crucial role in Portugal’s steady progression, adding depth to the way her side plays the game, mainly when the team launches a menacing counter-play, needling everything together with her precise passing.
A former Stade Français personnel, Ozório, who won several accolades throughout her career, can make a critical difference when she is on the pitch, bolstering the Lobas attack to be more daring and menacing.
Besides the already mentioned skills, Ozório is an accomplished kicker, which can be vital in the tightest of contests and make the difference between winning and losing.
Margaux Lalli (Belgium – La Hulpe)
The Lalli siblings are truly a joy to watch, as Gaspard and Margaux Lalli add electrifying velocity, stellar positive aggression, and bone-shattering power that can turn any game from the inside out.
Lalli is a living legend of Belgian rugby, having represented the 7s national team in more than 70 international tournaments, painting the town red (and black) every single time thanks to those handling skills that can discombobulate any incoming tackler.
With Belgium making a return to the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship fold, Lalli will be one of her side’s aces-in-the-hole come their games against Portugal and the Netherlands.
Nina Jacquemot (Belgium – Stade Rochelais)
If you are a Nadine Roos fan, please follow Nina Jacquemot, as Belgium’s and Stade Rochelais scrum half possesses traits similar to the Women Springboks nº9, injecting a heavy dose of unpredictability and marvel for any side she plays for.
Jacquemot has a keen eye for finding spaces in the opposition’s wall, working well with her pack before unleashing the backline to take advantage of those errors and set them on a very promising route.
While she is one of the youngest players to feature in this list, we couldn’t overlook her talent, as she will be crucial for Belgium’s aspirations of nailing at least a win in their return to Rugby Europe’s top level.
By Francisco Isaac
