On Tuesday 12 May 2026, Luxembourg Rugby reported that Luxembourg’s national men’s senior XV team will not compete in the Rugby Europe Conference play-off after Rugby Europe confirmed Malta’s qualification under the competition’s points-ratio regulations.
The Red Lions secured first place in Conference Pool A after defeating Finland 22-17 away in Helsinki on Saturday 9 May 2026 in their final match of the campaign, finishing with nineteen points and an unbeaten record. Malta topped Conference Pool D.
Following the conclusion of the Conference pools, Rugby Europe confirmed the play-off pairing in accordance with the official Rugby Europe Tournament Manual regulations. Under the points-ratio formula applied by Rugby Europe, Malta achieved a higher ranking points ratio per match played and therefore qualified to face Austria, the winner of Conference Pool B.
Luxembourg Rugby also congratulated the players and coaching staff for their performances throughout the campaign, particularly under what the federation described as “difficult circumstances” following the cancellation of the Latvia fixture, which reduced the number of matches and opportunities to accumulate ranking points.
Head Coach James Kent praised the squad’s efforts throughout the season: “To finish undefeated and win four matches from four is a testament to the character and commitment of this group. We are naturally disappointed not to continue into the play-off, but the players represented Luxembourg Rugby exceptionally well and earned the right to finish top of the pool through their performances on the field.”
Luxembourg Rugby noted that, although the Conference XVs campaign has concluded, the federation’s international calendar will continue in the coming months.
In June 2026, Luxembourg’s senior men’s and women’s national sevens teams are scheduled to travel to Andorra to compete in the Rugby Europe Conference 7s tournament.
