The final round of matches in the European U19s Championship and Shield take place tomorrow (Saturday) at the CREPS High Performance Centre in Font Romeu, France with something at stake for all ten nations involved.

In the Championship, the last game of the tournament (kick off 6pm) between the holders England and hosts France will determine the winners. For France it would be a second crown, having won the first event in Serbia in 2018, while England will be seeking a third consecutive title after wins in Italy in 2022 and Serbia in 2024.

Wales or Scotland can guarantee third place when they meet (kick off 4pm), margins of victory in those two games determining if either nation could snatch second spot.

Ukraine and Serbia (kick off at 12pm) both seek to avoid possible relegation into the Shield in their clash. Again, both can secure fourth spot subject to the result and margin of the Wales v Scotland fixture.

The permutations for the Shield are simpler, with the competition seeing each nation playing the others once, and the league leaders being awarded the title. Victory for Greece over Norway (kick off 10am) would give them an unassailable lead at the top after already dispatching Ireland and Canada. 

Norway could spoil Greece’s party, leaving the door open for Ireland to take the title if they overcome Canada (kick off 12pm). Canada themselves have an outside chance of the silverware if Greece lose and they can score enough points to win on points difference.

“It has been an amazing week of competition so far,” commented Berenice Flores, ERL’s U19s tournament director. “All of the games have been hard fought, and the nations have thoroughly enjoyed their time here at CREPS and the surroundings in Font Romeu, particularly yesterday where they were at a barbecue together at the top of the mountain. 

“We have seen some great camaraderie develop off the field between the nations, and it has been great to spend time to get to know the management of each team and enjoy some rare face-to-face time with them.”

She added: “All ten squads should already be proud of their efforts so far and I am sure we will all celebrate that come Saturday night once the champions are known.”

All matches will be streamed live, with links available on social media @EuroRugbyLeague shortly before each kick off.