Rugby Europe Super Cup returns without defending champions as 2025-26 fixtures confirmed

Rugby Europe have confirmed the fixtures for the sixth edition of the Super Cup, with the competition running across five weekends between October 10 and December. The round-robin tournament will pause during the November Test window before resuming the following month.

The most significant change heading into the new campaign is the absence of Castilla y León Iberians, who claimed the title for the first time just months ago. The Spanish Rugby Union has withdrawn the franchise from the competition and is currently exploring its options for the future, with the team’s only confirmed engagement being the Tbilisi Cup, scheduled for September 24 to October 4.

With the Iberians gone, the five remaining franchises will contest the title: Portugal’s Lusitanos, Czechia’s Bohemia Rugby Warriors, the Netherlands’ Delta, Belgium’s Brussels Devils, and Romania’s Romanian Wolves. For the Portuguese and Romanian sides in particular, the Super Cup carries added significance as preparation for the second round of Nations Cup fixtures, with many domestic players expected to feature throughout the campaign.

The competition has grown steadily since its launch in 2021, largely on the back of Georgian side Black Lion’s dominance — the Tbilisi-based club won the title four consecutive times, a run that earned them qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup in each of the last three seasons.

Beyond results, the Super Cup has served as a launchpad for individual careers. Players such as Luka Matkava, Luka Ivanishvili, and Rodrigo Marta have used the platform to raise their profiles, secure national team places, and attract interest from clubs at a higher level.