Historic victory in Yverdon: Switzerland qualify for Rugby Europe Championship 2027

Historic victory in Yverdon: Switzerland qualify for Rugby Europe Championship 2027

With a decisive 35–25 win over Germany in the Rugby Europe Championship ranking semi-final, the Swiss men’s national team secured qualification for the Rugby Europe Championship 2027 and underlined the positive momentum of Swiss rugby.

Last Saturday at Stade Municipal in Yverdon, the Swiss men’s national team, the Edelweiss XV, defeated Germany 35–25 in the Rugby Europe Championship ranking semi-final.

With this victory, Switzerland secures its place in the Rugby Europe Championship 2027, marking an important milestone for Suisse Rugby and for the continued development of the sport in Switzerland.

Strong start from Switzerland

Switzerland opened the scoring early in the first half. Tries from winger Cyril Fluckiger and back-row Jonathan Dallet, combined with five points from the boot of stand-off Jules Porcher, gave the home side a solid platform.

Late comeback seals the win

Germany responded strongly in the second half and took a 25–21 lead with 14 minutes remaining. Switzerland, however, reacted decisively. Tries from full-back Lucas Schmid and hooker Tom Nublat Laupretre, along with two conversions and two penalties from Porcher, secured the 35–25 victory.

Player of the Match

Switzerland’s No. 8 Nicolas Mousties was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Dominant at the base of the scrum and consistently effective in contact, he played a key role in setting the tone for the Swiss forward pack.

A successful home campaign

Beyond the result, the past five weeks highlighted the growing momentum of Swiss rugby. Switzerland secured two important victories against Germany and the Netherlands, while three home internationals in Yverdon were successfully organised with the support of hundreds of volunteers.

The matches attracted thousands of spectators despite the winter sports season and generated strong national media coverage, including a livestream on RTS and features across several Swiss media outlets.

This Rugby Europe Championship campaign represents another step forward for Swiss rugby, strengthening the pathway from grassroots development to the national teams.

Next match: Madrid Finals

The focus now shifts to the Madrid Finals on 15 March, where Switzerland will face Belgium in the 5th-place match of the Rugby Europe Championship 2026.

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Photo credit: Neil Dodd