Switzerland and the Men's REC 2026: family, linzertorte, drop goals and home.
Packed stadiums, emotional debuts, a birthday drop goal and a slice of Linzertorte: Samuel Sjoberg and Jules Porcher share what makes representing Switzerland in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship so special—and why 2026 matters more than ever for the Edelweiss.
Switzerland and the MREC 2026: family, linzertorte, drop goals and home
The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just weeks shy from starting, and to get us in the mood we invited a few players from each of the eight contestants to share their views, opinions and emotions about their team and country.
Ahead of the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026, Rugby Europe puts the spotlight on Switzerland through the voices of prop Samuel Sjoberg and fly-half Jules Porcher—two players who embody the passion, resilience and growing confidence of the Edelweiss.
Looking back on Switzerland’s historic debut season in the Championship, both players point to the sold-out home match against Spain as a defining moment. Despite the result, the unwavering support from the stands left a lasting emotional impact and reinforced the strong bond between the team and its fans. Another standout memory was the dramatic victory over Germany, decided by Jules Porcher’s decisive drop goal—on Samuel Sjoberg’s birthday—highlighting a rivalry that is set to play a key role again this season.
The article also traces their individual journeys into the national team, from first caps in the Rugby Europe Trophy to the pride of representing Switzerland at the highest level of Rugby Europe. Both players speak openly about what it means to wear the Swiss jersey, describing a team culture built on trust, camaraderie and a deep sense of belonging.
Beyond the pitch, the story captures the human side of the Edelweiss: shared meals, Swiss traditions, and a symbolic Linzertorte that reflects the family spirit within the squad. As Switzerland prepares to open its MREC 2026 campaign against reigning champions Georgia on 8 February, the message is clear—the team has earned its place among Europe’s elite and is ready to fight to stay there.
👉 Read the full article (via Rugby Europe - written by Francisco Isaac, available in English only):
Photos: Neil Dodd (doddsiephoto.ch)