The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just a weeks shy from starting, and to get us in the mood we invited a few players from each of the eight contestants to share their views, opinions and emotions about their team and country.
Representing Switzerland we have a prop that is making an impact for the Edelweiss, Samuel Sjoberg, and the kicking maestro, Jules Porcher.
Samuel and Jules, last year, Switzerland made its debut in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship, and everyone felt the impact. What was the most emotionally packed home game you guys experienced?
Jules Porcher. “I would say the match against Spain last year. The stadium was sold out, and the fans cheered us on and supported us until the end of the match despite the defeat. It's a great memory.”
Samuel Sjoberg. “Spain, 100%, I agree with Jules. As he said, the stadium was fully packed, and I remember we toured it after the game, with fans chanting typical Swiss national team songs. It makes me emotional thinking about it now. It was such a brilliant scene, and I hope we get to do it again this year.”
SS. “From where we are standing right now, definitely Germany. That last game was a nailbiter, and we managed to tip the scales in our favour in the end with Jules drop goal. It was my birthday as well, which made things even more emotional and exciting. My father brought a homemade birthday cake. What a perfect day. If a rematch happens this season, it is going to be massive for us, to them and to the fans.”
JP. “Yes, I agree with Sämi. I think the relegation battle will come down to our two nations, so yes, Germany is our main rival right now.”
About your origins, when did you make your debut for the Edelweiss?
JP. “Mine was in a Rugby Europe Trophy rugby match against Poland at home. I was excited to represent the national team and my grandparents' country. The match ended in a 30-24 victory, so it's an incredible memory.”
SS. “My first cap was against Croatia for the Rugby Europe Trophy in 2024. We were playing in Yverdon-les-Bains, and I came in from the bench. It was my very first international experience, and I remember how fast and physical it was and thinking to myself, ‘You are playing with the big boys now! Enjoy it!"
But before you had the chance to represent your senior national team, did any of you have any experience with it as a fan or watching it from the sidelines?
SS. “I remember going to the Centre de Élite, which is a step you make before you are picked for the national team. At the time, I was selected as the 24th player for the game against Czechia, and I got to experience what was a stunning sight of professionalism and high-level rugby.”
JP. “Yes, I still remember! I came to watch a Rugby Europe Trophy match against Ukraine. The Swiss national team played a great game, and it made me even more eager to come and play with them.”
It is palpable how much you love and are passionate about Switzerland and the Swiss national rugby team. But how would you describe what it is to be part of this team?
JP. “A tremendous joy and a tremendous source of pride. It allowed me to discover a fantastic country and to meet incredible people.”
SS. “Obviously, it is a very special feeling, as every time you can represent your country doing something you love, it is beyond special. I remember after my first cap that I was in tears in the locker room, realising that all the work, all the sacrifice I’ve done, helped me get to that level. If I had to describe it in just one word: amazing.”
As Switzerland is fighting for a chance to stay in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship, what are your feelings about the competition? Do you reckon it's an intense competition? And what does it mean for your country to be here?
SS. “It means that we’ve earned the right to be here, in the highest level of Rugby Europe. To represent Switzerland at that level, to show everyone that we can exist and persist here, is wonderful and very enticing. You can compare yourself against nations and players that play in the best leagues. It is an honour to play against the likes of Georgia, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Belgium.”
JP. “I think it's a very high-level championship, although not comparable to the level of the Six Nations. It remains a very competitive championship with teams from the World's top 15/20 participating in the World Cup, and with players who play for the biggest European, or even global, clubs.”
Now, as we like to invite fans to enjoy the whole game experience and everything Switzerland has to offer in a home game, can you tell us a great main dish we should order? And a dessert?
JP. “I would recommend a good fondue. Simple and effective.”
SS. “As Jules stays with the main, I am going to pick my dessert, and that is a Linzertorte. It was the famous birthday cake my mother made for me to bring to the Germany game. It is a heavy cake with minced nuts and raspberry jam. On top, you put some raspberry ornaments. It looks fantastic and tastes even better.”
Jules, and if someone wants to have a drink after the game, what’s the best place to be? Something recommended by the team!
JP. “I would tell him to stay with us after the match at the stadium to have a beer together, then I would suggest he go and grab a bite to eat at the Brasserie de la Bourse in Carouge (if we are playing in Geneva). The food is good, and the staff are very friendly.”
Samuel, as we can feel that there’s a great sense of camaraderie in the team, who’s your best mate in the national team, if there’s any?
SS. “Jeremy To’a. We grew up not far from each other and come from the same part of Switzerland, the Swiss-German area. It creates a bond built on language. He is a funny character and a great teammate.”
Finally, why is Switzerland a great country and place to live?
SS. “Every country has great and bad things, and is beautiful, but Switzerland, for me, is home. If it isn’t perfect, it is very near being it. I love my life here and everything this country gives to me.”
Switzerland will kick off their Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 campaign against the title-holder Georgia on February 8th, and you can purchase the tickets on the official website and watch the game live on RTS Play Digital in Switzerland and on Rugby Europe TV from abroad.
By Francisco Isaac
Photos: Neil Dodd
