Georgia secured its dominance at the Rugby Europe Championship, clinching the title with resounding success against Spain, as Belgium made history by qualifying for the 2027 World Cup repechage tournament.
On March 16, 2025, the Georgian national team defeated Spain 46-28 during the final held at Tbilisi, marking their eighth consecutive win and their twentieth championship title overall since 2006. Their only blip had been when Romania triumphed in 2017. The match, showcasing Georgia's prowess, saw them maintain 17-16 lead at halftime before surging decisively in the second half.
The victory solidifies Georgia's position as one of Europe's top rugby teams, allowing them to enter the 2027 World Cup as representatives for Europe 1. Spain will join them as Europe 2, followed by Romania and Portugal as Europe 3 and Europe 4, respectively.
Romania also shone with their third-place playoff victory against Portugal with a score of 21-7, ensuring their spot at the World Cup. During this tournament, Georgia controlled the narrative, having only succumbed to defeat once since the tournament's inception.
While the eyes of the rugby community were on the championship, another remarkable story unfolded with Belgium qualifying for the World Cup repechage for the first time. The Belgian team, known as the Diables Noirs (Black Devils), triumphed decisively over the Netherlands, earning them fifth place with a score of 31-10.
The match, held on March 15, 2025, showcased Belgium's steady progress on the rugby scene as they dominated the match, casting aside the memories of previous struggles where they had to rebuild their national team after previous defeats. Jens Torfs, the Belgian captain, expressed confidence before the game saying, "We are determined. The Netherlands has secured the fifth place previously. This match is also our chance to redeem ourselves. We have worked tirelessly to improve and regenerate our rugby program.”
With this victory, Belgium now prepares for the repechage tournament which will take place in Dubai this November alongside three other nations. The tournament will give them the opportunity to vie for the final 20th spot available for the World Cup, amplifying their historic chances as rugby grows increasingly popular within the nation.
The repechage tournament will include teams from varied regions, offering Belgium a rare shot at World Cup glory. “This means so much for our group to continue dreaming of World Cup qualification,” stated Toon Deceuninck, Bellgium's lock.
Georgia's achievement at the Rugby Europe Championship is not just about the wins but the development of rugby itself within the country. The team's strategy and execution during the tournament demonstrate their high level of preparation and tactical prowess. The skill displayed against Spain reflects their growth and ambition.
Meanwhile, the championship's last day brought surprises with Switzerland achieving their first-ever victory at this level, narrowly beating Germany 20-17 on their home turf. A drop-goal by Jules Porcher clinched the win during the waning minutes of the match, reinforcing Switzerland’s potential as they remain at this competitive level.
Both Georgia and Belgium’s recent accomplishments highlight the shifting dynamics of European rugby, where nations outside the traditional powerhouses are carving their paths and aspired to be part of global competitions. The Rugby World Cup 2027 is shaping up to be increasingly competitive as nations push to showcase their talents on international stages.
This year's championship not only reinforced Georgia's established dominance and success with high hopes for the upcoming World Cup, but it also opened doors for Belgium, who are now dreaming of their first-ever World Cup appearance. Rugby has undoubtedly become more than just competition; it is giving rise to national pride, sportsmanship, and memories to look back upon.
