The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just a week 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.
As the Oranje representatives, we have two backline operators: the sharpshooter, Vikas Meijer, and the Mr Rapidness himself, Mees Voets.
Vikas and Mees, you both played for the U18s and U20s and have now joined forces in the seniors. What does it mean for you to be here?
Vikas Meijer. “To play for the Netherlands is the greatest honour and privilege that I could’ve possibly think of. It doesn’t matter where you are from; you always want to play for your country. I hope that I can leave the shirt in a better place through my knowledge and experience.”
Mees Voets. “Most of us aren’t professionals and play in the Netherlands, and play it only at an amateur level, making a lot of sacrifices to be able to be here. However, we don’t see it as a sacrifice, but an honour and a privilege. It isn’t about the money, the recognition or the fame, it is about doing your best and helping your team.”
© Neil Dodd
You have been involved with Dutch rugby since you were kids, enjoying great moments together. Do you remember the first game you watched from the senior national team?
MV. “It was some years ago when we were still playing in Rugby Europe Trophy and went to see them play against Lithuania! For me, it was a cool experience, even if there weren’t many fans watching or getting involved with the players after the game. It gave me a push to follow my dream of becoming a senior Test Match player myself.”
VM. “The first game that pops into my head is the day we won the promotion to the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship against Belgium in 2021. I remember watching some games in 2017-2018, but that promotion match is still very much present in my mind.”
What about your debut? Do you still have good memories of it?
VM. “Belgium in 2023 was my first. I was warming up, and then, suddenly, Lyn Jones told me, ‘Come to the pitch’, and I went in for Te Campbell. It was a funny coincidence: he was my youth grade coach, and I got the chance to replace him in such a big game. Unfortunately, I didn’t touch the ball a single time, but it was a great day for me.”
MV. “My debut was in November 2024 against Chile. We made a statement in that game, and even though I ended playing less time than what I expected, as I had to come out due to two front-rowers being yellow-carded, it was a great day to play my first game for the Netherlands.”
When you made your debut, did you feel it was the beginning or middle of the journey?
VM. “When I made my Test Match debut, I felt I was just starting, despite the fact that at the time it was the highest goal that I could have possibly imagined. I would love to play in a World Cup for the Netherlands, as well as facing a top team like Australia, All Blacks or the Springboks.”
MV. “I was a bit surprised when I was first selected, especially because of the game it was. I was just 20, and I thought to myself ‘Are we really going to this now?’. It has been a gift for all the hard work I did as an age-grade player.”
And what was your favourite game as a member of team Oranje?
VM. “My favourite game was precisely that one against Chile, when Mees made his debut in in November 2024. Beating a World Cup team that faced us with 90% of their best squad was amazing. We were the underdogs, but we performed well. It showed we were progressing in the right direction.”
MV. “Clashing with Georgia in their turf, for me . Being there and experiencing their rugby culture was a pleasure. Plus, the environment coming from the stands was amazing. We put up a good fight, even if we lost in the end.”
And mates? What are your best friends or teammates from the national team camp?
MV. “I have so many great mates, and that tells you how connected we are as a group. The team's average age is 23, and we have grown up together. So, we know each other well. For me, they are all my best mates!”
VM. “Maxime van Hilst and Mike Hansen are my best mates as we are playing together not only in the national team but in Cardiff Met as well. However, we might need some time away, as we live together as well!”
As for fans… any game in particular where their support was awesome, if you can recall any?
VM. “Spain away last year, for sure. Tough game, but it was crazy as ten thousand fans were there, supporting and cheering for their teams. It was just a busy and intense atmosphere. While we didn’t win, it was a great game to play in. One thing in particular that I remember was just a big orange corner! You could definitely see our fans there being loud and proud!”
MV. “Our win against Switzerland last year. We played really well and I had the chance to play with a lot of guys who had played with me in the youth grades. The fans in that match were always there, cheering. It was a special day.”
Now, rivals… who’s the Netherlands greatest rival?
MV. “There’s only one answer, and that’s Belgium. It is like Portugal against Spain. It is our derby. We are two very different teams, with different identities and that like to lock horns. Last year we lost a big game against them, making the rivalry even more intense.”
VM. “Low Countries derby, what else? It is like a thunderstorm meets a tsunami. Both teams go full-on as we are very passionate about our national teams, and since I was a youth player, that rivalry has escalated. But Germany comes next, as it can get heated in a positive way.”
As for favourite players from opposing nations, any in particular?
VM. “Definitely Davit Niniashvili. Having faced Georgia, I know how big a threat he is. If I am not mistaken, he side-stepped me to set a try for the Lelos a year ago. I had never faced a player as quick as he is. Pure speed and pace! And the second one, Joel Merkler. I faced him last year as well, and he is just formidable!”
MV. “Davit Niniashvili is one of the best players in the game, who can play either as a wing or fullback. I also enjoy watching and playing against Vasil Lobzhanidze. The way he can put players in the right space is just remarkable.”
Finally, what about the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship, do you like the competition? Do you think the Netherlands has progressed in it?
MV. “I think it is a really good thing that we have the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship. You can see where you want to go and where you came from. We need these high-level games to get better and understand where and how we can progress even further.”
VM. “I think it is a really good competition, as the teams that compete in it are great, like Georgia, Spain, Portugal and Romania. Playing those countries is definitely a way for us to progress and a stepping stone toward getting on the same level. It is something that we strive for. Sometimes the gap can be a bit too big between a few teams, but all of the eight have progressed a lot in the last few years.”
Now, for the foodies at home. Vikas, can you pick something from the Netherlands that they should have?
VM. “I want to pick a dessert, and it is poffertjes! They are a type of pancake, but smaller. More precisely, they are Dutch batter cakes, and you can add a bit of butter to make them even better.”
MV. “Ok, Vikas went with the sweets, so I have to pick a savoury dish and that’s boerenkool. Mashed potatoes with vibrant green leaves of kale and a smoky and top-notch sausage. Great comfort food.”
Finally, what does the Netherlands means for you?
VM. “Being able to put on the shirt of a country that you love, to represent the same team of people who you looked up to, is a privilege. Making the Netherlands a better country is one of my goals, and I hope I can help it any way I can.”
MV. “It is a privilege, as I said. Being Dutch is my identity; it is who I am. It is a great honour to live here and to represent it in the orange shirt. One of my goals is to inspire the next generation through rugby and show that with hard work, there are no limits!”
© Neil Dodd
Netherland will start their 2026 Rugby Europe Championship campaign against Spain on February 7th, and you can purchase the tickets on the official website and watch the game live on Ziggo Channels in the Netherlands and on Rugby Europe TV from abroad.
By Francisco Isaac
