Georgia, Romania, Portugal and Spain kicked their Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification hopes in great fashion, claiming bonus-point victories over Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in the first round of the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2025.
Outwith the Six Nations spotlight, emerging nations jostle for position in another thrilling REC - with the added carrot of Rugby World Cup qualification.
It’s that time of the year again when the leaves turn brown, the days are shorter, and the rugby ball is thrown around between nations.
Simon Mannix’s Portugal will head to the Autumn Nations Series with a couple of new additions, as CA Brive’s and Pro D2’s top try scorer, Lucas da Silva is expected to make his debut for the Lobos.
Portugal player ratings: Portugal’s first-ever outing against the Springboks didn’t end in victory, but the Portuguese showed their fangs and produced more than a couple of spectacular moments.
Simon Mannix's career as Portugal's head coach begun in the best possible way, as the Lobos claimed a win on Namibia's turf, with a convincing 37-22 result.
Reigning champions South Africa take on fellow three-time winners New Zealand in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final.
Former captain Moses Rauluni feared the worst as Fiji struggled against a valiant Portugal outfit last weekend.