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The semi-final stage of the Rugby Europe Championship delivered a weekend of high-intensity rugby across Europe, with Georgia and Portugal securing their places in the 2026 final.
Elsewhere, Belgium and Switzerland produced strong performances in the placement matches as the competition continued to showcase the strength and depth of Tier 2 European rugby.
Metreveli O. (22'), Tabutsadze A. (31'), Saghinadze B. (42'), Jalagonia T. (47'), Matkava L. (64'), Shioshvili M. (71'), Penalty Try (75'), Kakhoidze T. (78')
Tries
Boboc C. (55', 85'), Stratila D. (73')
Abzhandadze T. (23', 48', 72', 79')
Conversions
Conache A. (56'), Williams J. (74'), Plai D. (86')
Abzhandadze T. (15')
Penalties
Conache A. (3', 18', 36')
Georgia once again demonstrated why they remain the dominant force in the competition, powering past Romania in a high-scoring semi-final.
The Oaks took the lead from the tee and looked to frustate the Lelos. Once again, Georgia looked tentative in the opening 40 minutes, which has been a common state for them in this REC. But then i the second half, it was game on!
The Lelos combined their trademark physicality with an increasingly expansive attacking game, running in multiple tries to build a commanding lead. Romania showed moments of attacking threat and managed to put 21 points on the board in the second 40, but Georgia’s forward dominance and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.
Discipline was the killer once again, with Romania down to 12 late in the second half! 5 yellow cards in the second half, with 4 to the Oaks & the Lelos with their 1. Discipline is the achilles heel of these 2 sides at time but Georgia seem to get stronger with less players at times.
With the victory, Georgia move into yet another Rugby Europe Championship final, continuing their remarkable consistency at the top of the competition. A true battle of attacking rugby unfold between Georgia and Portugal.
For Romania, the defeat ends their title hopes but the 30 points scored against the defending champions will provide positives as they head into the third-place playoff. A wounded Spanish side will host a Romanian side showing glimpses of hope after 30 points on the Lelos.
Rodrigo M. (27', 55')
Tries
Saleta A. (67')
Cabral D. (28', 56')
Conversions
Richardis L. (68')
Cabral D. (14', 39', 59', 70')
Penalties
Portugal booked their place in the final after a composed and disciplined performance against Spain.
The match had been widely anticipated following both sides’ impressive performances throughout the competition, but Portugal controlled the contest from early on. Their defensive organisation frustrated Spain’s attacking rhythm while their backs capitalised on key opportunities to stretch the scoreline. It was a repeat of last years Semi Final but in reverse, Spain were frustrated by the Portuguese slowing the game play, like they did to Portugal last year.
Spain fought hard throughout and enjoyed periods of territory, but Portugal’s defensive structure held firm, limiting Los Leones to just a single score. Spanish frustration was clear with the continual conversations with the officials about slow game play. However, there has to be questions raised around the player selection again. Spain have enjoyed success in the recent year by playing quick and exciting rugby with Tani Bay at the wheel at scrum half. However, the inclusion of Kerman AURREKOETXEA in the last 2 games has stifled all attacking play from Spain. There is times when a scrum half like Aurrekoetxea will be needed but in my opinion, his inclusion against Georgia and Portugal has been a catalyst for Spain blowing its best chance to win the REC in recent years.
For Portugal, the result continues their impressive trajectory following their strong showing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, confirming Os Lobos as one of the fastest-rising teams in European rugby. Os Lobos have timed their revival and were clearly buoyed for revenge of 12 months ago, they have timed their trajectory and got the right mix of youth and experience on the path again. They will obviously look to keep this momentum running head first into a final clash with the Lelos in Madrid.
Spain now shift their focus to the bronze medal match, where they will aim to finish the campaign on a positive note. A serious performance will be needed to ensure they don’t slip up to Romania on home soil too.
Grau G. (8', 76'), Berger J. (19')
Tries
Hilst M. (33'), Bruil D. (71')
Remue F. (9', 20', 80')
Conversions
Dolman B. (72')
Remue F. (3', 25', 48', 60')
Penalties
Dolman B. (47')
Belgium delivered an impressive attacking display to defeat Netherlands, running in multiple tries to secure a convincing victory. The result underlines Belgium’s steady progress within the Rugby Europe structure.
Netherlands were all out of sorts after the first 30 minutes, lucky to only be 20 -0 behind. Defensively, they allowed Belgium to glide through, Thymo Peters being hooked after 30 minutes. Peters recently returning from injury but was caught out a few times and the change was needed. Netherlands then were able to get a small foothold into the game after a nice snipped try but Belgium still looked in control. Until, Julien Berger decided to head butt, a Dutch player on the ground while involved in a bit of hand bags. a Red card served up and then the needle continued afterwards too, with a flair up again at the half time whistle.
Belgium didn’t let it stop them, they managed to keep the board ticking with penalty kicks while discipline slipped on both sides. Belgium were still able to turn screw when Netherlands tried to up the game speed to get themselves back into the game. Another case of a inexperienced Netherlands side that have avoid the relegation battle by th skin of their teeth. They will now go head to head with a relegated Germany, while Belgium take on a jubilant Switzerland on the rise.
Fluckiger C. (9'), Dallet J. (32'), Schmid L. (66'), Nublat T. (79')
Tries
Wolf L. (4'), Stein O. (58'), Rees G. (63')
Porcher J. (33', 67', 80')
Conversions
Pretorius B. (5'), Hennig C. (59')
Porcher J. (6', 45', 62')
Penalties
Pretorius B. (12', 43')
In another entertaining contest, Germany pushed Switzerland hard, but the Swiss side held their nerve to close out a 10-point win in a match that showcased the growing competitiveness of the division.
Germany come out the gates and scored after 4 minutes with a fluid attacking try, but Switzerland were straight back at it with Dallet hit a great line in broken defence before the flanker set up a perfect chip and chase for Fluckiger to score in the corner. A 20 minute orange card for Justin Renc really hampered the Germans, especially having a yellow card for Eric Marks a few minutes before. Going down to 13 men when you have to win, is not going to help any team.
Luckily for Germany, they only went into the break 15 - 10 behind. A huge second half performance needed to save their REC status for another weekend. In the 60th minute, Germany manged to get themselves back ahead with a Stein try and Hennig conversion. Found them 18 - 20 ahead, Porcher kept the board ticking though with that ever trusty boot. Germany went to the forwards and managed to grind out a gritty close range try again, to get back ahead, 21 - 25. But that was all they could manage.
Switzerland managed to find holes in the defence and hit great attacking lines to pull themselves clear and then putting the final nail in the coffin in the last minute. Securing their REC survival and Germany suffer defeat a week before the end of the tournament.
The stage is now set for a compelling championship decider as Georgia face Portugal for the title.
Georgia will enter the final as favourites given their historic dominance in the competition, but Portugal’s dynamic style and recent rise in international rugby suggest the final could be one of the most competitive in recent years.
With the continued growth of teams across the continent, the Rugby Europe Championship remains one of the most important competitions in the global rugby calendar for emerging nations.
