European Rugby League chair, Dean Andrew, has hailed the success of the relaunched, multi-tiered men’s European Championships which concluded at the weekend.
Nine nations took part in three groups, Serbia claiming Euro B, Ukraine winning Euro C and Germany finishing top of Euro D.

“We’ve seen nine fantastic games take place across the whole competition,” noted Andrew. “It was relaunched after feedback from the membership and designed and delivered as those members requested, guaranteeing each of them two competitive fixtures each year. Because we have agreed a multi-year format, we can already start planning for the next one which helps our members enormously.”

The teams were allocated to the groups based on IRL World Ranking positions at the end of 2024, but for 2026 they will be determined by on-field results, with the winners of Euro C and Euro D both having been promoted. 

Meanwhile, Malta will feature in Euro C in 2026 and Italy move into Euro D, after losing both of their games this year.

From the early 2000s, the European Championships have been the most frequently competed for international tournaments, and discussions continue to integrate more nations into the framework from 2027.

“We will shortly arrange a review meeting with the competing nations to understand their experiences and look at any improvements that can be made as we move towards 2026, but the intention to is confirm the fixture format and dates as soon as possible to allow the teams to begin their preparations and secure travel bookings,” Andrew added. 

“I offer my thanks to all of the competing teams, their staff and volunteers and the match officials who travelled across Europe to get this first year of a new dawn under way, and look forward to discussing plans with them all shortly.”

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026

Euro B
Netherlands
Serbia
Ukraine

Euro C
Germany
Greece
Malta

Euro D
Czechia
Italy
Norway