The Moldovan capital of Chișinău is the venue for the second - and final - Rugby Europe Trophy Sevens Series women’s and men’s events of 2026 between Friday and Sunday.
By the end of the weekend, the overall final placings will be firmed up taking into account what went on in round one in Croatia’s vibrant coastal town of Makarska earlier this month and then what goes on in this event.
Ukraine’s women and Switzerland’s men were the winners respectively in round one and they have 20 points each.
But they will know only too well how quickly things can change in a sevens tournament - and even within one single sevens tie - and they will be taking nothing for granted heading into round two in Chișinău.
Ukraine have second place Italy and third place Moldova breathing down their necks for example and the Moldovans will have the crowd behind them over the next few days. Only the top two teams of the Series will be promoted to 2027 Championship Series.
In the pool phase of this 12-team women’s event, Ukraine are in Pool A with Georgia, Austria and Croatia while Pool B sees Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Andorra battling it out. Pool C is headed up by Moldova with Hungary Romania, Romania and Montenegro also in there.
Below the top three in round one, Hungary finished fourth, Norway finished fifth, Georgia sixth, Austria seventh, Switzerland eighth, Romania ninth, Montenegro 10th, Andorra 11th and Croatia 12th. The last two teams of the Series will be relegated to Conference 1 division.
In the men’s tournament, Switzerland have second placed Monaco and third placed Romania nearest them in the overall standings.
There are 12 men’s teams in Chișinău too and the leaders are in Pool A with Denmark, Hungary and the hosts.
Pool B is where Monaco is and they will be going up against Sweden, Croatia and Malta with Romania, Türkiye, Latvia and Norway in Pool C.
Below the top three in round one, Türkiye finished fourth, Sweden finished fifth, Denmark sixth, Hungary seventh, Croatia eighth, Latvia ninth, Norway 10th, Malta 11th and Moldova 12th.
Do not miss the the start of the Tournament on Friday at 8.00am (CEST) live on rugbyeurope.TV and on YouTube
By Gary Heatly
Images: Travis Prior
