Georgia secure World Rugby Nations Cup title with a round to spare

Georgia have been crowned one of the two World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 champions after sealing top spot in Pool B with a round of fixtures still to play.

The Lelos confirmed their status as winners of the Europe, Asia and Africa pool following a 55-31 victory over the Netherlands in Tbilisi.

Combined with Portugal’s defeat to Samoa in Lisbon, the result moved Georgia onto 24 points and left them uncatchable at the summit.

It marks another significant achievement for Pierre-Henri Broncan’s side, who have enjoyed an impressive campaign and now head into the final round with the title already secured.

Attention now turns to Pool A, where the USA have the chance to join Georgia as Nations Cup champions. Victory over Romania in Bucharest would guarantee the Eagles top spot in their pool, with that fixture currently under way.

The two Nations Cup champions will formally receive their trophies during the competition’s final round on November 20-21, bringing the inaugural tournament to a close.

Georgia: 15 Davit Niniashvili, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Giorgi Shvelidze, 12 Tornike Kakhoidze, 11 Dachi Papunashvili, 10 Luka Matkava, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Beka Gorgadze, 7 Beka Saginadze, 6 Luka Ivanishvili, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 4 Gagui Margvelashvili, 3 Batchuki Tchumbadze, 2 Vano Karkadze, 1 Giorgi Akhaladze, 16 Vakhtang Jintcharadze, 17 Nika Abuladze, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Giorgi Javakhia, 20 Mikheili Shioshvili, 21 Beka Shvangiradze, 22 Gela Aprasidze, 23 Luka Tabatadze

Tonga: 15 Taniela Filimone, 14 John Tapueluelu, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Fetuli Paea, 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 8 Lotu Inisi, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Sam Tuitupou Jnr, 5 Halaleva Fifita, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Siua Maile, 1 Siegfried Fisiihoi, 16 Efitusi Maafu, 17 Phil Kite, 18 Tomaakino Taufa, 19 Justin Mataele, 20 Sione Vailanu, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Manu Vunipola, 23 Sione Tui