2026 Rugby Europe Championship
| 2026 Rugby Europe Championship | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 7 February – 15 March 2026 | ||
| Countries | |||
| Tournament statistics | |||
| Champions | Portugal (2nd title) | ||
| Antim Cup | Georgia (20th title) | ||
| Matches played | 20 | ||
| Attendance | 53,780 (2,689 per match) | ||
| Tries scored | 152 (7.6 per match) | ||
| Top point scorer(s) | Luka Matkava (49) | ||
| Top try scorer(s) | Rodrigo Marta (5) | ||
| |||
The 2026 Rugby Europe Championship is the ongoing tenth Rugby Europe Championship, the annual rugby union competition for the top European national teams outside the Six Nations Championship, and the 55th edition of the competition including all its previous incarnations (as the FIRA Tournament, Rugby Union European Cup, FIRA Nations Cup, FIRA Trophy, and European Nations Cup).
Eight teams are taking part in the 2026 championship; Belgium, Georgia, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Switzerland.
Georgia entered the tournament as defending champions. They won the final against Spain in the 2025 tournament, claiming their 17th title. The serpentine system was applied to allocate each team to their respective groups.[1] Each team play a total of five games (three round robin group matches to determine the team's path and two play-off matches).[1] Seeding (for a group) and relegation are calculated over a two-year cycle, as is the promotion from the Trophy competition.[1]
All matches on the final day will be staged in Spain. The fifth and seventh place playoffs were hosted at Estadio Nacional Complutense in Madrid, with the third place playoff and final hosted at the Butarque Stadium in Leganés.[2]
Participants
| Nation | Stadium | Head coach | Captain | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home stadium | Capacity | Location | |||
| Belgium | Stade Charles Tondreau Province Naimette Arena |
8,000 5,000 |
Mons Liège |
Laurent Dossat | Jens Torfs |
| Georgia | Avchala Stadium | 3,500 | Tbilisi | Marco Bortolami (interim) | Vasil Lobzhanidze |
| Germany | Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark Paul Greifzu Stadium |
5,000 20,000 |
Heidelberg Dessau-Roßlau |
Mark Kuhlmann | Justin Renc |
| Netherlands | NRCA Stadium | 7,000 | Amsterdam | Bryan Easson | Mees Voets |
| Portugal | Estádio Nacional Estádio do Restelo |
37,593 19,856 |
Oeiras Lisbon |
Simon Mannix | Tomás Appleton |
| Romania | Emil Alexandrescu Stadium | 11,390 | Iași | David Gérard | Ovidiu Cojocaru |
| Spain | Estadio Nueva Balastera Estadio Nacional Complutense Butarque Stadium |
8,100 6,000 14,500 |
Palencia Madrid Leganés |
Pablo Bouza | Jon Zabala |
| Switzerland | Stade Municipal Yverdon | 6,600 | Yverdon-les-Bains | Olivier Nier | Cyril Lin |
Two-Year overall standings
| Pos | Event Team
|
2025 | 2026 | Points total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| 2 | Portugal | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | Spain | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 4 | Romania | 6 | 5 | 11 |
| 5 | Belgium | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 6 | Netherlands[a] | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 7 | Switzerland[a] | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 8 | Germany | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Tables and fixtures
Pool A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 157 | 45 | +112 | 23 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 15 | Grand Finals Semi-Finals |
| 2 | Spain | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 134 | 89 | +45 | 20 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 10 | |
| 3 | Switzerland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 46 | 130 | −84 | 6 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Ranking Finals Semi-Finals |
| 4 | Netherlands | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 68 | 141 | −73 | 9 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Source: Rugby Europe[3]
Rules for classification:
If two teams have the same number of points the best ranked will be: 1) match points in the games played between the tied Unions; 2) tries in the games played between the tied Unions; 3) match points difference in all pool games; 4) tries difference for in all pool games; 5) match points for in all pool games.
If three or more teams have same number of points, the best ranked will be: 1) match points difference in all pool games; 2) tries for in all pool games; 4) match points for in all pool games.
Points were awarded to the teams as follows: Win – 4 points, Draw – 2 points, At least 3 more tries than opponent – 1 point, Loss within 7 points – 1 point[4]
Rules for classification:
If two teams have the same number of points the best ranked will be: 1) match points in the games played between the tied Unions; 2) tries in the games played between the tied Unions; 3) match points difference in all pool games; 4) tries difference for in all pool games; 5) match points for in all pool games.
If three or more teams have same number of points, the best ranked will be: 1) match points difference in all pool games; 2) tries for in all pool games; 4) match points for in all pool games.
Points were awarded to the teams as follows: Win – 4 points, Draw – 2 points, At least 3 more tries than opponent – 1 point, Loss within 7 points – 1 point[4]
Week 1
| 7 February 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Netherlands | 33–51 | Spain (1 TBP) |
| Report |
| NRCA Stadium, Amsterdam Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Filipo Russo |
| 8 February 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Switzerland | 3–54 | Georgia (1 TBP) |
| Report |
| Stade Municipal, Yverdon-les-Bains Attendance: 2,200 Referee: Alex Ionescu |
Week 2
| 14 February 2026 16:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| (1 TBP) Spain | 53–14 | Switzerland |
| Report |
| Estadio Nueva Balastera, Palencia Attendance: 1,715 Referee: Edwin Van Der Spek |
| 15 February 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Netherlands | 12–61 | Georgia (1 TBP) |
| Report |
| NRCA Stadium, Amsterdam Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Max Weston |
Week 3
| 21 February 2026 15:00 GET (UTC+4) |
| (1 TBP) Georgia | 42–30 | Spain |
| Report |
| Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi Attendance: 2,965 Referee: Sam Grove-White |
| 22 February 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Switzerland | 29–23 | Netherlands (1 LBP) |
| Report |
| Stade Municipal, Yverdon-les-Bains Attendance: 1,800 Referee: Diogo Miranda |
Pool B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 159 | 36 | +123 | 22 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 15 | Grand Finals Semi-Finals |
| 2 | Romania | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 54 | 80 | −26 | 6 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 5 | |
| 3 | Belgium | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 41 | 73 | −32 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Ranking Finals Semi-Finals |
| 4 | Germany | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 45 | 110 | −65 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Source: Rugby Europe[3]
Rules for classification:
If two teams have the same number of points the best ranked will be: 1) competition points; 2) match points difference; 3) match tries difference; 3) match points difference in all pool games; 4) tries for in all pool games; 5) match points for in all pool games.
If three or more teams have same number of points, the best ranked will be: 1) competition points; 2) tries for in all pool games; 3) match points for in all pool games.
Points were awarded to the teams as follows: Win – 4 points, Draw – 2 points, At least 3 more tries than opponent – 1 point, Loss within 7 points – 1 point[4]
Rules for classification:
If two teams have the same number of points the best ranked will be: 1) competition points; 2) match points difference; 3) match tries difference; 3) match points difference in all pool games; 4) tries for in all pool games; 5) match points for in all pool games.
If three or more teams have same number of points, the best ranked will be: 1) competition points; 2) tries for in all pool games; 3) match points for in all pool games.
Points were awarded to the teams as follows: Win – 4 points, Draw – 2 points, At least 3 more tries than opponent – 1 point, Loss within 7 points – 1 point[4]
Week 1
| 7 February 2026 20:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Belgium | 17–47 | Portugal (1 TBP) |
| Report |
| Stade Charles Tondreau, Mons Attendance: 5,000 Referee: Jérémy Rozier |
| 8 February 2026 16:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Germany | 30–24 | Romania (1 LBP) |
| Report |
| Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark, Heidelberg Attendance: 1,600 Referee: Saba Makharadze |
Week 2
| 14 February 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Germany | 12–68 | Portugal (1 TBP) |
| Report |
| Paul Greifzu Stadium, Dessau-Roßlau Attendance: 3,400 Referee: Alberto Favaro |
| 15 February 2026 19:00 EET (UTC+2) |
| Romania | 23–6 | Belgium |
| Report |
| Emil Alexandrescu Stadium, Iași Attendance: n/a Referee: Saba Abulashvili |
Week 3
| 21 February 2026 20:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| (1 TBP) Belgium | 18–3 | Germany |
| Report |
| Stade Charles Tondreau, Mons Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Shota Tevzadze |
| 22 February 2026 17:30 WET (UTC+0) |
| (1 TBP) Portugal | 44–7 | Romania |
| Report |
| Estádio Nacional, Oeiras Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Kevin Bralley |
Ranking Finals
| Semi-finals | Fifth-place Final | |||||
| 7 March – Stade Municipal, Yverdon-les-Bains | ||||||
| Switzerland | 35 | |||||
| 15 March – Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid | ||||||
| Germany | 25 | |||||
| Switzerland | 16 | |||||
| 7 March – Province Naimette Arena, Liège | ||||||
| Belgium | 39 | |||||
| Belgium | 38 | |||||
| Netherlands | 15 | |||||
| Seventh-place Final | ||||||
| 15 March – Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid | ||||||
| Germany | 7 | |||||
| Netherlands | 76 | |||||
Semi-finals
| 7 March 2026 13:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Switzerland | 35–25 | Germany |
| Report |
| Stade Municipal, Yverdon-les-Bains Attendance: 1,500 Referee: Sion Carwin |
| 7 March 2026 20:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Belgium | 38–15 | Netherlands |
| Report |
| Province Naimette Arena, Liège Attendance: 700 Referee: Diogo Inacio |
Seventh-place final
| 15 March 2026 11:00 CET (UTC+1) |
| Germany | 7–76 | Netherlands |
| Report |
| Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid Attendance: 1,600 Referee: Saba Makharadze |
Fifth-place final
| 15 March 2026 13:30 CET (UTC+1) |
| Switzerland | 16–39 | Belgium |
| Report |
| Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid Attendance: 1,600 Referee: Eki Fanlo |
Grand Finals
| Semi-finals | Cup Final | |||||
| 8 March – Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi | ||||||
| Georgia | 53 | |||||
| 15 March – Butarque Stadium, Leganés | ||||||
| Romania | 30 | |||||
| Georgia | 17 | |||||
| 8 March – Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon | ||||||
| Portugal | 19 | |||||
| Portugal | 26 | |||||
| Spain | 7 | |||||
| Bronze Final | ||||||
| 15 March – Butarque Stadium, Leganés | ||||||
| Romania | 23 | |||||
| Spain | 29 | |||||
Semi-finals
| 8 March 2026 15:00 GET (UTC+4) |
| Georgia | 53–30 | Romania |
| Report |
| Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Alberto Favaro |
| 8 March 2026 15:00 WET (UTC+0) |
| Portugal | 26–7 | Spain |
| Report |
| Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon Attendance: 4,700 Referee: Keane Davison |
Bronze Final
| 15 March 2026 16:00 CET (UTC+2) |
| Romania | 23–29 | Spain |
| Report |
| Butarque Stadium, Leganés Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Filippo Russo |
Final
| 15 March 2026 18:45 CET (UTC+2) |
| Georgia | 17–19 | Portugal |
| Report |
| Butarque Stadium, Leganés Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Jérémy Rozier |
Final standings
| Pos. | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 10 |
| 2 | Georgia | 8 |
| 3 | Spain | 6 |
| 4 | Romania | 5 |
| 5 | Belgium | 4 |
| 6 | Switzerland | 3 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 2 |
| 8 | Germany | 1 |
International broadcasters
| Country | Broadcaster[5] | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | LN24 AUVIO VRT/Sporza |
Belgium games shown live via LN24, AUVIO and VRT/Sporza. |
| Georgia | Rugby TV Imedi TV |
Georgia games shown live via Rugby TV and Imedi TV. Also Georgia games are streamed and free on Rugby TV Facebook page. |
| Germany | Ran Joyn ProSieben Maxx |
Germany games shown live via ProSieben Maxx and Joyn, other games are streamed and free on Ran. |
| Netherlands | Ziggo Sport | Selected games live on Ziggo Sport. |
| Portugal | Sport TV | Portugal games shown live on Sport TV. |
| Romania | TVR Sport | Romania games shown live via TVR Sport. |
| Spain | Teledeporte RTVE Play |
Spain games shown live via Teledeporte and .RTVE Play digital platform. |
| Switzerland | RTS PLAY | Switzerland games shown live via RTS PLAY digital platform. |
| North America | FloRugby | All games available through streaming via FloSports. |
| Rest of the World | Rugby Europe Rugbypass |
All games available through streaming via Rugby Europe (registration required) and Rugbypass (registration required). Some games are streamed and free on Rugby Europe Youtube channel |
See also
References
- ^ a b c "New Format for Rugby Europe Championship". Rugby Europe. 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "Men's Championship 2026 Calendar confirmed, Madrid to host Finals Day". Rugby Europe. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Rugby Europe Championship Standings".
- ^ a b "September 2025 Edition (2025-2026 season v1) Rugby Europe International XV Championships Men & Women 2025-2026 Tournament Manual" (PDF). Rugby Europe. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Unprecedented Coverage for 2025 Men's Rugby Europe Championship". Rugby Europe.