Poland win Euro 7s 1st leg

Poland took an early lead against France in the final of the first leg of the European Championship and held on to win an exciting final 12-10. Poland lead 12-0 at one point, but France pulled back to within two points with over four minutes to go. Those final minutes all took place inside the Polish 22, yet despite being a player down for much this time they defended heroically and lifted the tournament title.

The French team included several up and coming players, but was lead by Romane Manager and included the likes of Emile Boulard, Lina Queyroi and Emeline Gros who have all played at the top level. This was therefore an impressive win by Poland and puts them on course to return to the SVNS Challenger Series next season.

Poland also beat Great Britain and Spain on their way to the final. While all of the World Series teams took the opportunity to bring in some younger players, all also fielded a core of World Series stars.

Belgium – who finished third – look likely to join them, while Czechia won a crucial fifth place game against Germany to put them ahead in the race for Europe’s third spot in the Challenger series.

At the other end, Turkey were played in the top tier for the first time and initially struggled but improved across the three days, their 26-19 win against Portugal showing their potential – if they can keep their place. With Ukraine – also promoted last season – struggling they may have to repeat those heroics as the second team to go down is likely to be Turkey or Portugal.

Results

Pool A: Ireland 24-22 Czechia; Turkey 0-52 France; Ireland 31-12 Turkey; France 26-12 Czechia; Czechia 19-10 Turkey; France 33-5 Ireland

Pool B: Belgium 19-12 Germany; Ukraine 12-39 Spain; Belgium 31-5 Ukraine; Spain 34-14 Germany; Germany 24-7 Ukraine; Spain 14-10 Belgium

Pool C: Poland 38-10 Italy; Portugal 10-31 Great Britain; Poland 36-17 Portugal; Great Britain 22-15 Italy; Italy 5-10 Portugal; Great Britain 5-25 Poland

9th-12th Place Semi-Finals: Portugal 19-26 Turkey; Italy 36-5 Ukraine

Quarter-Finals: France 41-0 Germany; Poland 19-5 Czechia; Spain 33-17 Ireland; Belgium 12-5 Great Britain

5th-8th Place Semi Finals Germany 22-19 Great Britain; Czechia 10-5 Ireland

Semi-Finals: France 19-17 Belgium; Poland 26-17 Spain

11th Place Match Portugal 38-0 Ukraine

9th Place Match Turkey 10-24 Italy

7th Place Match Great Britain 19-0 Ireland

5th Place Match Germany 0-36 Czechia

3rd Place Match Belgium 17-10 Spain

Final France 10-12 Poland