News
WED 18.05.2016
On Real Sociedad's second day in the USA, it was time to get on the ball. The facilities at San Francisco State University were the setting as Eusebio's charges were put through their paces for the first time on their LaLiga World tour. The session was notable for the presence of the Spanish national rugby sevens side, who pitched in after the first hour of drills, and the two teams enjoyed shooting the breeze and having more than a few laughs together.
The Basque outfit arrived at the training ground in the mid-afternoon, to prepare for their friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning Spanish time). After doing some ball work and possession exercises on their own, Real Sociedad were joined by their rugby counterparts to share their experiences out on the turf. La Real player David Zurutuza wished the rugby sevens team every success in their upcoming assignments: "We had a fun time together, I wish them the best of luck and here's hoping they qualify for Rio 2016."
During this get-together, which was held as part of the Champions of Spain campaign, the rugby sevens side showed the Real Sociedad players the mechanics of a line-out, after which they faced off in a penalty shootout using a rugby ball. To wrap up proceedings, gifts were exchanged by the two teams' captains and coaches. "Football and rugby sevens coming together in this sort of event is a big deal. I found it a very special gesture," stated Jose Ignacio Inchausti (better known as Tiki), the manager of the Spanish national rugby sevens side.
To round off the day, a delegation from Real Sociedad's travelling party visited the Basque Cultural Center, where they got to meet a number of San Francisco residents of Basque origin. Against the fitting backdrop of a Basque pelota fronton, the players chatted with these sports fans and found out about how their love of the Basque Country remains alive and kicking despite the distance.
After two days in San Francisco, the La Real squad are very much ready for the first match of their LaLiga World tour, against MLS club the San Jose Earthquakes at the Avaya Stadium.
© LALIGA - 2016