Luxembourg Rugby Reaction to Conference Play-off Decision

12th May 2026

Rugby Europe confirms Malta v Austria Conference Play-off pairing

Luxembourg Rugby acknowledges the official confirmation from Rugby Europe regarding qualification for the Rugby Europe Conference play-off match.

Following the conclusion of the Conference pools, Rugby Europe has confirmed that the play-off fixture will be contested between Malta and Austria, in accordance with the official Rugby Europe Tournament Manual regulations.

The regulations specify that, due to the different number of teams and matches across Conference pools, qualification is determined by a ranking points ratio per match played between the pool winners.

Luxembourg Rugby is proud to confirm that Luxembourg finished top of its Conference pool with an undefeated record, winning all four matches during the campaign, including the decisive away victory against Finland in Helsinki. However, under the points-ratio formula applied by Rugby Europe, Malta achieved a higher ranking points ratio per match played and therefore qualifies for the play-off match against Austria.

The federation nevertheless wishes to congratulate the players and coaching staff for their commitment and performances throughout the campaign, particularly under difficult circumstances following the cancellation of the Latvia fixture, which reduced the number of available matches and opportunities to accumulate ranking points.

Head Coach James Kent praised the squad’s efforts throughout the season:

“To finish undefeated and win four matches from four is a testament to the character and commitment of this group. We are naturally disappointed not to continue into the play-off, but the players represented Luxembourg Rugby exceptionally well and earned the right to finish top of the pool through their performances on the field.”

While the Conference XVs campaign has now concluded, Luxembourg Rugby’s international calendar continues with significant momentum.

In June, both the senior men’s and senior women’s national 7s teams will travel to Andorra to compete in the Rugby Europe Conference 7s tournament, marking another important step in the federation’s continued sporting development and international ambitions.

The summer will then see one of the most ambitious rugby development initiatives ever hosted in Luxembourg with the arrival of the All Blacks Clinic from 24–28 August 2026.

Hosted by Luxembourg Rugby, the five-day clinic will welcome young players from across the region for an immersive high-performance rugby experience led by former New Zealand national rugby union team legend Norm Maxwell, Olympian and former New Zealand Rugby 7s player Teddy Stanaway as well as Luxembourg national players and coaches.

The clinic represents a major milestone for rugby development in Luxembourg, offering young athletes the rare opportunity to train with internationally recognised rugby figures while also gaining direct insight into elite Rugby Sevens preparation from an Olympic-level player and coach.

Luxembourg Rugby believes these upcoming events reflect the continued growth, ambition and visibility of the sport within the Grand Duchy, both on and off the field.

The federation also wishes to thank its supporters, partners, volunteers and travelling fans for their continued backing throughout the international season.