Rugby. Portugal challenges Georgia's hegemony in the European final

The 2026 Rugby Europe Championship final will see Portugal face Georgia this Sunday in Madrid, deciding the European title between two of the strongest teams outside the traditional Six Nations tournament. For the 'Lobos', it is a chance to return to the top of the continental competition over two decades after their only title in 2004, while the Georgians aim to extend their decade-long dominance. Portugal reached the final after defeating Spain 26-7 in the semi-finals at the Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon. The Portuguese Rugby Federation president, Carlos Amado da Silva, highlighted the team's youth and recent progress, while also criticising the closed nature of the Six Nations, which he argues limits the development of emerging European rugby nations.