This weekend sees the start of the 2026 Rugby European Championship.
Here is the schedule:
28 March:
Spain v Belgium, Madrid
Netherlands v Portugal, Amsterdam
11 April:
Portugal v Spain, Oeiras
Belgium v Netherlands, Dendemonde
18 April:
Netherlands v Spain, Amsterdam
Belgium v Portugal, Dendermonde
This brief schedule reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the tournament, a sort of Division 2 to the Six Nations (only there’s no promotion!).
Just four nations compete, and Sweden asked to withdraw this year owing to internal problems. Belgium stepped in to replace them.
The tiny number of competing nations is easily explained: in rugby there are huge gaps in attainment between every level. So much so that Spain have won the last eight trophies, and twelve in all. It’s a domination mirroring England’s in the 6N. Sweden’s difficulties are mirrored in different forms across the world: funding, facilities, coaching, and so on.
Another nuisance is the even number of competitors, a parallel with the 6N. It means that half of them have two home games out of three. This year Spain have to travel twice, which evens things out a trifle.
The Benefits
The upside of the three-round programme is the intensity it brings to every match. It brings the drama of a knock-out tournament.
The key game comes in the last round when the Dutch take on the Spaniards at home.
Pious wishes
Spain would love to be able to take on higher ranked nations. Their only opportunities come at World Cups and WXV.
In 2025 they finished top and undefeated in the WXV3 pool of six nations. But there they played only three matches, and only one of the six, Fiji, were ranked higher than them (13th/14th). The others were Samoa, Hong Kong China and Madagascar.
Other avenues for advancement include the Latin Cup, which was launched in 2024, but hasn’t been a great success and operates at club level only.
An increase in international club matches becomes less likely as women’s rugby develops, but it would be a kind gesture if the once regular contests between an England XV and Spain could be reinstated in the calendar.
Big names
When we see some of the best known names taking part, we can feel upset they aren’t competing at a higher level. Las Leones have players of the quality of Claudia Pena, Cristina Blanco, Alba Capell and Laura Delgado. The Oranjes’ captain is Linde van den Velden, a stalwart of Exeter Chiefs from the start. Ella Amory of Belgium has been a regular starter for Trailfinders.
The Portuguese and the Belgians are advancing fast. There is no lack of talent on view in these matches.
Who’s going to lower Spanish colours at last?
