Cristina Blanco

Blanco only started playing rugby in university when a friend asked her if she wanted to try the sport out, which led to her playing for the University sevens team for a few years before joining Olímpico RC, her first rugby club.^[1] She was still playing basketball at the time.^[1]

During her time at Olímpico RC, she started out as a Loose forward before she transitioned to a Hooker.^[1] She made her test debut for Spain when they played against South Africa in her sides 2019 tour.^[1][2]

Blanco was part of the team that attempted to qualify for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, but were unsuccessful.^[1] She signed with the Wasps in 2021.^[2][3]

She was named as Spain's captain and led them at the inaugural 2023 WXV 3 tournament in Dubai.^[4] She then joined Trailfinders ahead of the 2023–24 Premiership Women's Rugby season, she won the Players’ Player of the Year award at the end of the season.^[2][3]

She competed in the 2024 WXV 3 tournament where Spain were crowned WXV 3 champions and had also earned a spot in the 2025 Rugby World Cup.^[1]

Blanco re-signed with the Trailfinders in 2025.^[2][3] She was part of the victorious Spanish side that won their twelfth European championship.^[3][5] She was eventually selected in Spain's squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England.^[6][7]