Spain Make Winning Start as Split Hosts Rugby Europe Sevens Finale

Posted : 25 July 2026

The final leg of the 2026 Rugby Europe Men's and Women's Sevens Championship Series got underway in Split, Croatia, on Friday, with teams battling for the continental titles and crucial places in next season's top division.

The tournament marks the conclusion of this year's Championship Series, with both the men's and women's European champions set to be crowned after the weekend's action.

Spain's women's team, Las Leonas7s, made a positive start by defeating Denmark 10-5 in difficult, windy conditions. The victory provided an important boost as Spain began its quest for the European crown.

Denisse Gortázar gave Spain the perfect start by crossing for a try just 40 seconds into the contest. Carmen Miranda added Spain's second score after the break before Denmark responded with a late consolation try, but Spain held on to secure the opening win.

Following the victory, Spain returned to action later in the day to face Great Britain in another important Pool match as the race for the knockout stages intensified.

Great Britain's women's side entered the tournament determined to improve after a disappointing 10th-place finish in Hamburg earlier in the series. The team is seeking a strong performance in Split to retain its place in the Championship Series for the 2027 season.

The British squad features the return of Solana Shaw, while Nicole Flynn and Lucia Scott, both from Glasgow Warriors, have been added to strengthen the squad for the decisive weekend.

The men's competition also began in Split, with Great Britain aiming to finish its campaign on a high note. The squad includes Charlie Shiel and Fin Lloyd-Gilmour as Britain looks to challenge for a strong finish in the final Championship event of the season.

The Split tournament not only determines the European champions but also carries major significance for teams fighting to avoid relegation to the Rugby Europe Trophy Series in 2027. Every pool-stage result could prove decisive in the race for survival.

Croatia once again hosts Europe's leading sevens nations after previously staging an earlier leg of the Championship Series in Makarska. The Split finale now brings together the continent's top teams for the final battle of the 2026 campaign.

With several pool matches still to be completed before the knockout rounds begin, the race for both the men's and women's titles remains wide open. Spain's opening victory has placed Las Leonas7s in a strong early position, while Great Britain faces crucial fixtures that could shape both its championship hopes and its top-tier future.

Spain Make Winning Start as Split Hosts Rugby Europe Sevens Finale

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