19-43: Spain, European champions for the 13th time

Spain knocks down the Netherlands (19-43) in a vibrant final and added their thirteenth continental title. The exhibition of the three quarters and the power of the forward In scrum they seal the 13th continental title for the RFER’s record.

The Lionesses have proclaimed themselves champions of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 after defeating the Netherlands by a resounding 19-43 at the National Stadium in Amsterdam. In this way, the Spanish team once again reigned in the second category of European women’s rugby, which is played on the same dates as the women’s 6 Nationswhere the most powerful teams on the continent are located.

In an afternoon to remember, the team led by Regis Sonnes Not only did he defend his crown for the ninth consecutive time, but he showed that the generational change is ready for greater heights.

Spain came out determined not to leave a trace of doubt. In just six minutes, the Spanish three-quarters had already dismantled the Dutch defense twice. First was Naroa Azpitarte, directing with mastery despite being 20 years old, who scored the goal in the 3rd minute. Shortly after, the experience of Amaia Erbina made it 0-12 that silenced the local fiefdom.

The Spanish line worked like a Swiss clock. Transmission speed and stroke angles They were indecipherable for Las Oranje. Claudia Penawho today reached the historic figure of 150 points with the national team, signed a flag try in the 15th minute to respond to the local push and maintain the lead (5-19).

If the three-quarters provided the magic, the forwards provided the cement. The Spanish scrum was a hammer during the 80 minutes. The block led by the captain Lourdes Alameda and the solvency of the first line forced the foundations of ball possession to be forged.

Even when the game got complicated with the yellow Matilda Toca on the edge of rest and essay by Isa Spoler (12-19)The Lionesses remained calm. In the second half, the foot of Amalia Argudo —who celebrated his 30 caps with an impeccable performance on foot and a try of his own— began to punish the Dutch indiscipline and stretch the score.

The Netherlands sold their defeat dearly and came within ten points (19-29) after Mariet Luijken’s trybut Sonnes’ wardrobe ended up deciding the final. The entrance of Ariadna “Bingbing” Vergara and Ana Cortés gave the final blow; Both players jumped off the bench to score the last two tries that closed a rout to remember.

With the final whistle of the Belgian Adele Robert, joy broke out. Spain adds its 13th title, confirming that they are still the queens of the old continent.