Good news for Croatia rugby as European Trophy division beckons again

by croatiaweek
August 23, 2023
in Sport

(Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

Croatia is currently in the midst of another golden era in the sport of rugby.

After earning historic promotions to the European Trophy division, and to the elite rugby 7s competition in Europe, there was further good news this week for Croatian rugby.

“The Croatian national team will once again compete in the European Trophy division this season, the highest level since the introduction of this system. Rugby Europe has decided that no team will be relegated to the Conference division, from which the Czech Republic has been promoted, resulting in a total of six participating teams,” the Croatian Rugby Federation confirmed.

Playing in the European Trophy division is a massive achievement for the small nation. In the past, Croatia has relied on players from abroad, mainly New Zealand, but coach Anthony Poša and his team have done a superb job achieving these historic feats with a team made up of mainly local-based players.

Croatia snatches incredible first ever European Trophy division victory

Coach Anthony Poša with his troops (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

The team performed admirably last season in the European Trophy division, including a dramatic last-second 39-37 victory away in Lithuania.

Croatia celebrate at the final whistle after beating Lithuania (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

This season Croatia will face Czech Republic, Ukraine, Sweden, Lithuania and Switzerland.

Once the 15s is over, attention will turn to the 7s next summer where Croatia will face the likes of European rugby powerhouses France, Ireland, Italy, and Great Britain.

“Next June, the Croatian 7s national team will face tournaments in Portugal and Germany, where they will compete against the European elite in the Championship division, a historic achievement as coach Anthony Poša led Croatia there for the first time in history,” Croatian Rugby Federation said.

Croatia among European rugby 7s elite after sensational promotion

Anthony Poša will lead Croatia against European rugby 7s elite next summer (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

European Trophy division schedule 2023/24:

4 November: Czech Republic v Croatia
11 November: Ukraine v Croatia
18 November: Croatia v Sweden
16 March: Croatia v Lithuania
23 March – Switzerland v Croatia