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In the shadows of the 6 Nations start, a journey to the RWC begins in Bucharest. For 8 teams across mainland Europe, their chance to secure their space at the highest table in 2027 begins now!
The REC will have 4 automatic qualifiers and potentially a 5th placed team able to take their spot if they can beat other teams across the continents through a further qualification round.
However, there are so many narratives that can be drawn around the Rugby Europe Championships. Georgia have won the tournament for the last 7 consecutive seasons, are they now classed as ‘too good’ for this tournament and should there be the promotion to the 6 Nations with the 6 Nations bottom team relegated ?
Spain are so close again to their second RWC appearance after being at the 1999 tournament. But having their last 2 RWC qualifications removed from them in 2019 & 2023 for the same offence. Then there is a real fire in the Spanish team to get there this time. With a strong Autumn international period, where the results may not match the performances on the pitch. With a strong performance against Fiji in Valladolid, where Spain were leading and looked comfortable for a large part of the game. The relevance of rugby levels kicked in and Fiji were able to go through the gears. Then the visit of USA to Madrid finished in a narrow defeat in yet another game that could have easily gone in Spain’s favour.
There is one thing guaranteed when you watch Los Leones, they are quick out the traps and once the forward pack have had there attempts to get the ball forward or over the line, then they are lightning through the back line with ferocity and excitement which avid rugby fans love to see.
Switzerland are having their debut season in the REC, after their Rugby Europe Trophy win last season secured their space to replace Poland who dropped out of the REC at last March’s finals day.
Switzerland have found themselves in the same group as Georgia, Spain and the Netherlands. I am sure the Swiss have no intentions on rolling over against the big boys in the group but for the RWC 2027 qualification aspirations, they must have eyes on the Netherlands game and trying to put themselves in 3rd spot in the group. Positioning themselves ahead of a another round of play offs, before Finals weekend, where the final positions will be decided in a 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th placed games.
Pool B will begin a lot of action for the early stages of the tournament. Where, any team in this pool could beat each other on the day. Belgium beat Portugal in 2024, and Germany beating Belgium in last year’s play offs. Romania lost to Portugal last tournament too, and will be looking to right the wrongs from last time out. Definitely, opens the door for Pool B to be a barnstormer of a Pool and a roller coaster of emotions and trepidation. Portugal and Romania will be looking to make use of there 2 homes games in the pool give them some stability and hopefully the advantage to not let this narrative run wild in Pool B.
The REC will have a number of players from the Top 14 showcasing their abilities. Alongside players that are playing in their own countries Leagues, to other players that have been called up from teams across the leagues in England too. With Germany having players starting the opening game from the National Leagues in England.
The REC offers all the opportunities, excitement and jeopardy this time round for the avid rugby fan that wants to see what Rugby in Europe has to offer. With the majority of the games falling perfectly either side of 6 nations games, so a full weekend of rugby can be achieved with access to the games on Rugbyeurope.tv
Also, with the All Things Rugby App having all the live game data available throughout the tournament and also having match day access to selected games across the tournament. Then this is the greatest opportunity to get eyes on Rugby Europe.
