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Round 3 of the Rugby Europe Championship 2026 delivered defining results at both ends of the table. With ranking pressure and relegation fears all in play, this weekend reshaped the standings and confirmed that the 2026 campaign is entering its decisive phase.
From Portugal’s dominant display to Georgia’s continued authority at the summit, here is the full Rugby TTL Round 3 breakdown.
Karkadze V. (11'), Taptladze D. (29', 70'), Niniashvili D. (37'), Tchumbadze B. (56'), Matkava L. (67')
Tries
Bay E. (43'), Richardis L. (53'), Boronat V. (76')
Abzhandadze T. (12', 30', 38', 57'), Matkava L. (68', 71')
Conversions
Richardis L. (44', 54', 77')
Penalties
Richardis L. (4', 33', 40')
Georgia once again demonstrated why they remain the dominant force in the Rugby Europe Championship. But Spain will be wondering what if!
Spain produced moments of attacking quality, scoring 30 points and testing Georgia’s defensive structure. But left that turn around until the second half! Georgia were clinical and devastating in attack through out. Spain were defensively poor in the first half, effectively waving Georgia through the gaps in the defense. They also lacked their usually attacking flair with Kerman Aurrekoetxea being opted to start at 9 over Tani Bay. However, that change to Tani Bay at the start of the second half was pivotal in the Spain fightback. Georgia’s forward power — particularly through the maul and close-quarter carries — proved decisive. Georgia look to have added to their devastating backline though with Taptladze looking to be a serious talent at outside centre!
Spain’s evolution is clear, but defensive lapses allowed Georgia to capitalise at key moments. Georgia’s discipline was showcased once again with a red card for a clear shot to the head, but it was too late in the game to make a real difference.
It means Georgia will now welcome Romania for a home semi final, while Spain have to travel to Portugal for another away Iberian Derby Semi Final.
Clercq J. (14', 55'), Vliegen B. (75')
Tries
Grau G. (46')
Penalties
Hennig C. (38')
Belgium secured a pragmatic 18–3 win in what was one of the most tactical encounters of Round 3.
Field position dominated proceedings, with Belgium patiently building scoreboard pressure through penalties and territorial control. Germany, who showed attacking promise in earlier rounds, struggled to find rhythm against a well-drilled Belgian defence.
We went into the half with Belgium leading 5 - 3. But Germany could not stop the Belgian driving maul, especially with a player in the sin bin for the 2nd try. 3 driving maul tries from Belgium was clearly the tactic in what was an extremely important win for Belgium.
This was not expansive rugby — but it was effective. Germany after starting the tournament so well against Romania, look to be staring down the barrell again. Especially with this game being the one they would have needed to win.
Belgium have now managed to get a home play off against the Netherlands, while Germany will have to travel to the bear pit that is Switzerland!
Fluckiger C. (25'), Mousties N. (37'), Schmid L. (57'), Dallet J. (75')
Tries
Dolman B. (3'), Verplancke S. (52')
Porcher J. (38', 58'), Gonnet W. (76')
Conversions
Meijer V. (3', 53')
Porcher J. (11')
Penalties
Meijer V. (5', 18', 41')
Switzerland continue to underline their growth in the Rugby Europe Championship with a hard-earned 29–23 win over the Netherlands.
This contest was shaped by discipline and territory. Switzerland’s set-piece functioned efficiently, and their defensive organisation held firm during late Dutch pressure. When the Netherlands went 13 - 3 ahead after 18 minutes, it looked like they were in control but then the magic show from Jules Porcher began. The Netherlands started to get involved in the physical battle that Switzerland wanted to begin, but Switzerland had the upper hand in this contest.
The Netherlands showed attacking ambition and created opportunities in wide channels, but inaccuracies at the breakdown and missed scoring chances ultimately proved costly. Also, 2 yellow cards at crucial times really killed of their momentum, and opened the gates to Switzerland.
Not to take anything away from the Switzerland victory, on another day, the decisions made by the officials would normally go the other way.
Netherlands now have to travel to Belgium in the play off, while Switzerland welcome Germany.
Marta R. (5', 29'), Bento S. (9'), Pinto V. (13'), Pinto M. (48', 63'), Monteiro J. (55')
Tries
Butnariu T. (26')
Vareiro M. (10', 49', 64')
Conversions
Conache A. (26')
Marques S. (1')
Penalties
Portugal delivered one of the most complete performances of the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship so far, overpowering Romania with tempo, width and clinical finishing.
Os Lobos controlled territory early, stretching Romania’s defensive line through quick ruck speed and intelligent offloading. Portugal going down to 14, opened the door for Romania to flex their line out maul power but Portugal were on fire. Once momentum shifted, Portugal were ruthless — converting pressure into points with efficiency.
Romania, traditionally built around set-piece dominance and physicality, struggled to impose themselves. While the Oaks showed resilience in contact, they were unable to slow Portugal’s attacking rhythm.
Portugal look like they are enjoying their rugby again and are in full attacking flow but are we seeing a case of Deja vu? Portugal looked the same at the start of the last REC, but then it all changed at the Iberian Derby Semi Final.
We get to see the repeat of last years Iberian Derby Semi Final, when Spain travel to battle out their space at finals day. Then Romania have to travel to Georgia, which is not going to be an easy one in this form.
