Switzerland's men claim first leg Trophy honours in Makarska

Switzerland's men claim first leg Trophy honours in Makarska

Ukraine’s women and Switzerland’s men were in fine form at the weekend to win the Makarska round of the Rugby Europe Trophy Sevens Series.

Twelve women’s and 12 men’s teams were in Croatia’s vibrant coastal town between Friday and Sunday trying to get their respective campaigns off to flying starts.

With just this event and then round two of action in Moldovan capital Chisinau later in the month deciding the two best sides winning a ticket to the Championship level, every tie matters and that was clear over recent days with some great sevens on show.

In the women’s pool phase in Croatia, Italy topped Pool A followed by Norway, Switzerland and the host nation while, in Pool B, Georgia finished top with Moldova, Romania and Montenegro following behind. After rankings matches, Norway finished fifth, Georgia sixth, Austria seventh, Switzerland eighth, Romania ninth, Montenegro 10th, Andorra 11th and Croatia 12th.

In the men’s event, three teams won three out of three in the pool phase just like had happened in the women’s competition.

Pool A was won by Switzerland followed by Croatia, Sweden and Malta, Pool B was topped by Romania with Monaco, Denmark and Moldova following them and Türkiye were the Pool C winners with Hungary second, Norway third and Latvia fourth.

In the bottom part of the draw, Switzerland cranked things up to defeat Sweden 40-0 and signal their intentions for the knock-out phase. Switzerland were at their efficient best to get past Türkiye 22-5 in the second semi to progress to the final. And, in that final, they were even better, defeating Monaco 29-0 to lift the trophy.

Congrats to both Swiss 7's team - and roll on to Chisinau, the next leg of the 7s Men's and Women's Trophy Series 2026 at the last weekend of June.