WEST Cork rugby’s favourite Frenchman, Régis Sonnes has been named the new head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.

Sonnes, who previously coached the Spanish men’s team between 2010 and 2012, will hold his new position for the next three seasons, at least.  

He has been working in Bandon since moving back to West Cork in 2023, joining Bandon RFC as underage director of coaching as well as coaching the men’s first team, while working as a technical advisor for boys and girls’ rugby at Bandon Grammar School.

This was his special spell with Bandon, having enjoyed success from 2016 to 2018 when the club won both the Junior Cup and the Junior League during his tenure.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬, nuevo seleccionador de #LasLeonas 🦁

🔗: https://t.co/BkixoHyvNv#LoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/z9blF1PtVp

— España Rugby (@ferugby) November 20, 2025

Announcing his arrival, the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) said they are ‘pleased to announce the appointment of Régis Sonnes as the new head coach of the women's national team, Las Leonas XV. 

‘The French coach, with a proven track record in top-level competition and a deep understanding of Spanish rugby, arrives to lead the project for the new World Cup cycle, with the ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2029 World Cup in Australia.

‘Régis Sonnes arrives at the RFER after his time in Irish rugby, where he currently served as Director of Rugby and Head Coach at Bandon Rugby Football Club.’