Switzerland and Germany throw shade on format change decision

Switzerland struck a blow for advocates of the Rugby Europe Men’s Championship remaining as an eight-team competition with their performance against Georgia on Sunday, before Germany hammered home the message by defeating Romania.

Having been beaten 110-0 by the all-conquering Lelos in 2025, Switzerland halved the deficit between themselves and their more vaunted opponents in Yverdon-les-Bains, losing by a much more respectable 54-3.

That doesn’t tell the whole story, however, as the Swiss, newcomers to this division last year, only trailed 7-3 at half-time against the team who have ruled Rugby Europe for the last seven years – and with eight debutants in their matchday 23.

“We only had four days training but the first half was very good, we played the way that we had prepared against a very good Georgian team,” said long-serving head coach Olivier Nier.

“But in the second half it was more difficult. At the start of the second half we had four penalties in seven minutes, and when we got the yellow card (lock Lilian Rousset), it was very hard having seven forwards against eight Georgian forwards.

“Also, our substitutes are not at the same level as Georgia’s. But we were happy with the spirit we showed and our performance, and it bodes well for the future. A lot of our players played for Switzerland U20s.”

Long-time captain Cyril Lim presented Switzerland’s debutants with their jerseys before the match.

“It was a legacy moment, to show our history, and that we continue, step by step, to keep moving up and be ready for the next World Cup.”

While the decision has yet to officially be ratified, it’s been recommended by the powers-that-be that the Rugby Europe Men’s Championship should revert back to six teams in 2027.

There has been an angry backlash aaginst such a move, with countries such as Switzerland leading the protests.

As the team that finished seventh last year, they and the likes of 2025 cellar dwellers Germany, would potentially be cut from the competition.

“It would be a crazy decision to change back to six, everybody is happy to stay at eight,” said Nier.

“You had Germany beating Romania, and we had a very good first half.

“For me, the most important thing is we will have the new Nations Cup next year, and the Nations Cup will totally change international rugby; it will be wonderful.

“You will have a real championship for the first time for the second 12 best teams.”

Switzerland have another tough assignment in round two, with a trip to Spain.

“Spain are very fast and have the ability to put a lot of speed into their rugby, so we’ll need to be well connected (in defence).

“It’ll be tough but we’ll see what is possible,” added Nier.