On Wednesday 8 April 2026, Luxembourg Rugby announced that the national senior men’s team has been awarded a forfeit victory after its upcoming opponent withdrew with immediate effect from the Rugby Europe Men’s XV Conference 2026.
According to the Grand Duchy federation, the Conference Pool A fixture scheduled for Saturday 18 April 2026 has been officially declared a forfeit.
In accordance with the competition regulations, Rugby Europe has confirmed the official result as Luxembourg 28-0 Latvia. Luxembourg is awarded five competition points, and the Pool A standings will be updated accordingly.
This decision follows earlier notification from the Latvian Rugby Federation confirming that they would not travel to Luxembourg to fulfil the fixture.
This outcome is a significant disappointment for the Luxembourg national team, who have not been together since their historic victory over Lithuania in December 2025, noted Luxembourg Rugby.
“The disappointment is evident, not only among the players but also across the entire staff and the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to prepare this event,” said the President of Luxembourg Rugby.
National head coach James Kent also shared his reaction: “This match was an important opportunity for us. It would have been our only chance to bring the full squad together ahead of our upcoming fixtures against Finland, making it crucial for team preparation and cohesion.”
Luxembourg now have a perfect record of three wins from three matches, with their next fixture scheduled away against Finland on Saturday 9 May 2026.
