Spain has never been thought of as a rugby-playing nation. But, rugby fans will be pleased to know that Catalonia is an exception. It is a region that avidly follows and plays rugby together with the Basque Country. Perhaps it is to do with Catalonia’s proximity to the rugby-mad French south west, where world-class teams like Toulouse, Bayonne and Montpellier fight for top spot in the league. Whatever the reason, there are several clubs in the city that you can join. A good place to start is the Catalan Rugby Federation (www.rugby.cat) where you will find all Catalan clubs listed. They also have a ballot system for clubs looking for players, and vice-versa. Gòtics Rugby Club (93 332 39 86) is one of the most centrally located in Barcelona, together with Club de Rugby Químic (93 455 79 72 / 618 627 370). These clubs require a high level of proficiency, demand that players attend regular training sessions and competition for places is fierce. Club de Rugby Bonanova (www.terra.es/personal/rugbybonanova) is most open to new players.