The 2025-26 European rugby season showcased thrilling moments, outstanding performances, and unforgettable matches, culminating in the end-of-season awards that highlighted the best of the sport.

Best Games Attended

• 14 March: France 48-46 England - A spectacular match featuring thirteen tries, including four from Louis Bielle-Biarrey and a last-minute penalty from Thomas Ramos.
• 12 June: Northampton 45-31 Leicester - An electric atmosphere characterized this gripping Prem semi-final.
• 10 April: Bath 43-41 Northampton - Despite a strong start from the Saints, Bath clinched a spot in the Champions Cup semi-finals.

Teams of the Year

• Bordeaux-Bègles (Champions Cup)
• England’s Red Roses (World Cup winners)
• Northampton Saints

Champagne Moments

• Rhys Carré’s solo try for Wales against Ireland.
• Finn Russell’s clever kick-off leading to Darcy Graham’s try for Scotland.
• Christ Tshiunza’s impressive sidestepping try for Exeter Chiefs.

Top Coaching Brains

• Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty (Northampton)
• Rob Baxter (Exeter Chiefs)
• John Mitchell (England women) and Noel McNamara (Bordeaux)

Men’s & Women’s Players of the Season

• Men: Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Maxime Lucu, Tom and Jack Willis, Matthieu Jalibert.
• Women: Meg Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Sophie de Goode.

Best Matchday Experience

1. France v England in Paris.
2. Bordeaux-Bègles v Bath in the Champions Cup semi-final.
3. Champions Cup final - Bordeaux-Bègles v Leinster in Bilbao.
4. Women’s World Cup final in London.

Best Media Operation

• Northampton Saints

Inspirational Rugby Figures

• Lewis Moody, Ed Slater, Matt Hampson.

Looking Ahead to 2026-27

• Unity within Welsh rugby.
• The anticipated New Zealand tour of South Africa.
• Northampton Saints’ potential Champions Cup draw against Toulouse or Bordeaux.
• The future of Shaun Edwards, a legend with seven Six Nations titles.