From Leinster to Benfica: 17 Champion rugby clubs from around the globe

Another season has ended (or is about to end), and with it, it’s time to find out who had the honour and pleasure of lifting the main piece of silverware in their country!

From the URC to Super Rugby, find out who the new champions are in some of the most exciting leagues from all over the world.

South America – Super Rugby Americas

Pampas

Juan Manuel Leguizamón and Pampas have finally claimed the Super Rugby Americas throne after beating their Argentinian rivals, Dogos XV, 26-17.

With the former champions Peñarol failing to qualify for the knockouts, a new champion had to arise, with Pampas beating the debutant Capibaras in the semis before overcoming Dogos XV on their own turf.

USA – MLR

Chicago Hounds

The Hounds have done it! Nine years after the birth of Major League Rugby, the Chicago Hounds have finally climbed to the top, overcoming California Legion 35-17 at SeatGeek Stadium.

But was the Hounds’ title deserved? Without a doubt. From the very first minute of the 2026 MLR season, the Chicago-based franchise imposed total dominance, stringing together 10 consecutive regular-season wins before putting down Old Glory DC and California Legion on their way to lift the title for the first time in their history.

Portugal – Top 12

SL Benfica

It took a while, but SL Benfica have finally managed to regain the Portuguese Premiership (Top 12) after 25 winless years! The historical club from Lisbon were dominant from the very start, and despite a late scare provided by GDS Cascais, the Reds claimed the title under the wing of former Lobos António Aguilar and Francisco Fernandes.

Having won their 10th Top 12, Benfica is now on the same level as CF ‘Os Belenenses’ with 10 titles each and is on the trail of GD Direito (12) and CDUL (20).

Spain – División de Honor

VRAC

It was a nerve-wracking final, but VRAC pulled through to claim the División de Honor thanks to a late penalty kick converted by Baltazar Taibo to seal a 25-24 victory, towards celebrations.

VRAC were unquestionably the most dominant side of the season, conceding only three losses from 18 games and securing 1st place in the regular season from the 3rd round onwards.

This was VRAC’s 15th title in Spain’s top men’s competition, having won five of the last seven.

Italy – Serie A

Valorugby Emilia

For the second time in their history, Valorugby Emilia lifted the Serie A Elite, defeating Petrarca Padova 27-5 in the final. The Reggio nell’Emilia-based club qualified for the playoffs after finishing 1st in the regular season, followed by last year’s champions Rovigo, Petrarca and Viadana.

In the semi-finals, Emilia slipped in the 1st leg, conceding a 17-11 loss to Viadana, before mounting a successful comeback one week later, overcoming their rivals 23-10.

Azzurri internationals Pierre Bruno and Luca Bigi were two of the cornerstones of the club’s success, alongside Pumas prop Javier Díaz and Italian talent Simone Brisighella.

France – Top 14

Stade Toulousain

For the 25th time, Stade Toulousain have emerged victorious in the Top 14, with the Rouge et Noirs defeating Montpellier HRC 28-20 to lift the title in a packed Stade de France.

From the opening whistle, Ugo Mola’s side asserted total control over the French top flight, culminating in a ruthless 71–17 dismantling of Racing 92 in the semi-final.

While Montpellier fought hard to wrest the title from Toulouse, the reigning champions ultimately didn’t falter and maintained their grip on the Bouclier de Brennus.

Pro D2

RC Vannes

RC Vannes are heading back to the Top 14 just one year after dropping to the ProD2, with the Brittany-based club spelling dominance throughout the season before clinching the title and the promotion to the top-flight of French rugby.

Vannes and Provence made it into the final, and while the Aix-en-Provence side mounted a strong challenge, the Bretons came out on top, winning their second Pro D2 title in the last three years.

England – Gallagher PREM

Northampton Saints

Two years after their last title success, Northampton Saints have again reached the summit of the English club game, following a 26-17 win over Exeter Chiefs.

The Saints were simply ruthless from the start of the season, dominating the competition and earning the No. 1 spot in the standings.

With Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, George Hendy and Henry Pollock all in top form, the Saints surged into the final and, despite a tremendous effort from the Chiefs, proved too strong on the day.

Champ Rugby

Worcester Warriors

In their first year since returning to professional rugby, Worcester Warriors have triumphed in the Championship to the delight of their faithful supporters.

After finishing 4th in the regular season, the Warriors secured their place in the final following a last-second try from Jake Garside.

Against Bedford Blues, the Warriors were resolute in their mission to claim the competition’s crown, landing a 27-14 win and a fourth Championship title.

Netherlands – Ereklasse

Haagsche RC

2025 marked the end of an 11-year wait for an Ereklasse title for the historic Haagsche RC, and in 2026, they reinforced their domestic dominance by securing a second consecutive championship.

The Den Haag-based club finished 2nd in the regular season, just five points behind The Dukes.

They overcame RC ’t Gooi in the semis, facing The Dukes in the final. After a tense first half, Haagsche RC pulled ahead to earn their 14th Dutch title.

Ireland – AIL (Division 1A)

St. Mary’s College

What a memorable season for St. Mary’s College, as the South Dublin side claimed the All-Ireland League Division 1A for a 3rd time, defeating the then champions Clontarf in the final.

Coached by former Ireland international Mark McHugh, the Maro’s secured a home semi-final before progressing to the Aviva Stadium decider.

They delivered a convincing performance, overcoming Clontarf 46-31 to earn their first AIL title since 2012.

Wales – Super Rygbi Cymru

Llandovery

A new champion has emerged in the Super Rygbi Cymru, as Llandovery were crowned after a sensational playoff run.

Llandovery, who qualified for the knockouts after securing 4th place, overcame RGC 1404 in the quarter-finals before pulling off a major upset in the semis, defeating last year’s winners Newport.

With Ebbw Valley as the other finalist, Llandovery secured the title with a 27–10 victory.

URC

Leinster

When in doubt, back Leinster, as the Irish side added a 10th Celtic League/Pro12/URC to their trophy cabinet, again at the expense of the Vodacom Bulls.

After a slow start to the season, the Dublin-based provincial side gathered their wits and crossed the finishing line in 2nd place, being just two points behind the Glasgow Warriors.

On their way to the final, Leinster successfully overcame the Lions and Stormers to then trample the Bulls 36-7 at Croke Park.

Germany – Bundesliga

SC 1880 Frankfurt

SC 1880 Frankfurt’s glorious reign shows no sign of ending, as they claimed a fifth consecutive Bundesliga title by comfortably overcoming SC Neuenheim 35-10 in the final.

Frankfurt’s season was remarkable, as they recorded 19 wins from 18 games, topping the table with 90 points, 17 more than SC Neuenheim.

Georgia – Didi 10

RC Batumi

RC Batumi were successful in their title retention campaign, as the historical Georgian side blasted Ares Kutaisi 38-6 in the Didi 10’s 2025/2026 final.

Like many of the clubs on this list, RC Batumi dominated the regular season, finishing first with 66 points, five clear of the second-placed side.

Japan – Rugby League One

Kobelco Kobe Steelers

2026 ranks among Dave Rennie’s finest years, as after being appointed the new All Blacks head coach, he also guided Kobelco Kobe Steelers to their first Japan League One title since 2019.

With Anton Lienert-Brown, Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick and Lee Seung-sin by his side, the Steelers earned their place in the final against Kubota Spears.

Despite the Spears scoring all their points before the 30-minute mark, the Steelers mounted a comeback to win 22-13 and secure their second title.

Super Rugby Pacific

Hurricanes

The wait is over for the Hurricanes fandom, as they can finally shout from the top of the Majestic Centre that they are the new holders of the Super Rugby Pacific sceptre after a 60-5 victory over the Chiefs.

Under Clark Laidlaw’s guidance, the ‘Canes dominated the competition, claiming the No. 1 spot in the regular-season standings before beating the Brumbies and Blues on their way to the final.

With Ruben Love, Peter Lakai, Jordie Barrett and Josh Moorby delivering near pitch-perfect performances, the Hurricanes won the title for a second time, exactly ten years after their first triumph.

Argentina – Nacional de Clubes

Still going (only wraps up in August)

Romania – Liga de Rugby Kaufland

Still going (only wraps up in August)

2026 Currie Cup Premier Division

Only kicks off on July 18.

Campeonato Uruguayo de Rugby

Only kicks off in August.

Chilean Primera Nacional TOP 10 2026

Still going (only wraps up in September).