Latest news and stories about rugby in Portugal for expats and residents.
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The Portuguese national rugby team defeated Georgia 19-17 in Leganés, reclaiming the main Rugby Europe trophy after 22 years.
The Portuguese national rugby team won its second Europe Championship title after defeating Georgia 19-17 in the final held in Madrid.
It was the first triumph for the 'Lobos' over Georgia since 2005, a year after Portugal won its first title in the competition, which the Georgians have already won 17 times in 24 editions.
The Lobos win their second Rugby Europe Championship title after defeating Georgia 19-17. Also, the 'Casa para Viver' movement delivers housing demands to the Belém Palace.
The national rugby team won the 2026 European Championship this Sunday, March 15, defeating Georgia 19-17 in Madrid. This victory marks Portugal's second European title, repeating their 2004 success. Despite an early lead by Georgia, a decisive try by Vincent Pinto and accurate kicking from Manuel Vareiro secured the comeback. The win is seen as a major milestone for the growth of rugby in Portugal, with federation president Carlos Amado da Silva highlighting the team's resilience and the potential for further development of the sport in the country.
The Portuguese national rugby team won its second Europe Championship title today, after defeating Georgia 19-17 in the final held in Madrid.
Portugal's rugby team secured its second title in the Rugby Europe Championship by defeating Georgia 19-17 in Madrid. The match was notable for Portugal's comeback, with Vincent Pinto scoring a decisive try in the 73rd minute, followed by a conversion by Manuel Vareiro. Portugal had previously lost to Georgia in 2005 but managed to overturn the deficit in this final, marking a significant victory over a team that has historically dominated the competition.
The Portugal national rugby team won the Rugby Europe Championship for the first time since 2004 by defeating Georgia 19-17 in the final. Despite a poor start, trailing 12-3 at halftime, Portugal mounted a comeback with a 16-5 second-half run and secured victory with a late try. This victory is notable as Georgia, the eight-time defending champion, had not lost during this edition and typically scores heavily. Portugal's win marks a significant achievement in European rugby, with Georgia facing doping suspensions among some players. The tournament featured eight teams divided into two pools, culminating in knockout matches for the top four. Portugal's triumph positions them at the top of the 2026 Rugby Europe rankings, ahead of Georgia, Spain, and Romania.
Six players from the Georgian national team have been suspended for anti-doping regulation violations just two days before facing Portugal in the Rugby Europe Championship (REC) final. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby announced that the investigation uncovered an organised system involving the use of recreational drugs and the tampering of doping control samples, leading WADA to lose confidence in the Georgian anti-doping programme.
The sports calendar for March 14 and 15 offers a weekend where various disciplines converge at decisive moments of the season. Highlights include the Rugby Europe Championship final between Portugal and Georgia in Madrid, the conclusion of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race in Italy, the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, and key Primeira Liga football matches featuring Benfica and FC Porto.
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.
