Belgium’s national rugby team, known as the Black Devils, secured a 5th-place finish in the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship after a decisive 38-15 victory over the Netherlands on Saturday in Liège. The win caps a tournament that saw the team navigate a challenging pool stage and demonstrate resilience in the face of competition from established rugby nations. This result marks a positive step for Belgian rugby, as the program continues to develop and compete on the international stage.
The Black Devils finished third in Pool B, behind Portugal and Romania, but ahead of Germany, whom they defeated 18-3 in their final pool match in Mons. The team’s performance throughout the Rugby Europe Championship highlights their growing competitiveness within the second tier of European rugby, positioned just below the prestigious Six Nations tournament. The championship serves as a crucial pathway for nations aiming to elevate their rugby programs and potentially qualify for future Rugby World Cups.
Saturday’s match against the Netherlands saw Belgium take an early lead, establishing a 20-0 advantage in the first half with tries from Guillem Fernandez Grau and Julien Berger. Despite a subsequent red card for Berger late in the first half, the Black Devils maintained their dominance, extending their lead through the accurate kicking of Florian Remue and a second try from Grau. The final score of 38-15 reflects Belgium’s control of the match and their ability to overcome adversity.
Netherlands Secure 7th Place with Dominant Win
In the other 5th-8th place playoff match, the Netherlands defeated Germany by a significant margin, 76-7, securing 7th place in the championship. This victory demonstrates the growing strength of Dutch rugby and provides a strong finish to their campaign. The wide margin of victory underscores the competitive gap between the two teams and highlights the Netherlands’ attacking prowess.
Georgian Rugby Faces Antidoping Investigation
The Rugby Europe Championship has as well been marked by off-field issues, with six Georgian players and a member of the coaching staff facing sanctions and suspensions following an investigation into alleged sample swapping during doping controls. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby jointly announced the investigation on Friday, raising concerns about integrity within the sport. RTBF reports on the broader context of the championship.
Final Standings and Championship Implications
With Belgium securing 5th place and the Netherlands taking 7th, the focus now shifts to the championship final, which will see Georgia face Portugal. This match will determine the champion of this division of European rugby. The tournament provides a vital platform for developing nations to gain international experience and improve their rankings. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high as teams strive to climb the ranks and potentially challenge the established powers of the Six Nations.
The outcome of the Rugby Europe Championship has implications for the future development of rugby across the continent. Belgium’s strong performance demonstrates the potential for growth in emerging rugby nations, while the doping allegations surrounding the Georgian team highlight the importance of maintaining integrity and fair play within the sport. The championship serves as a crucial testing ground for players and coaches, and the lessons learned will undoubtedly shape the future of European rugby.
Looking ahead, the Black Devils will aim to build on their 5th-place finish and continue to develop their program. The team’s success in the Rugby Europe Championship provides a foundation for future growth and demonstrates the potential for Belgian rugby to compete at an even higher level. The next steps will involve continued investment in player development, coaching, and infrastructure to ensure that Belgium remains a competitive force in European rugby.
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