European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

Ready for the adrenaline of Rugby 7s?

Get ready for impact! From July 28-30, 2026, the summer in Salerno is heating up with the arrival of Rugby 7s at the European Universities Games (EUG 2026). As a major highlight of the two weeks of competitions across 13 disciplines, this tournament brings the EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES WORLD straight to our doorstep. Featuring around 4000 participants, among student-athletes and officials from around 400 universities, the atmosphere is bound to be electric.

If you are looking for a sporting experience that will have you jumping out of your seat, mark these dates: the Dirceu Stadium in Eboli is about to become the beating heart of European rugby, welcoming elite student-athletes for three days of pure adrenaline.

Rugby 7s: Fewer players, 100% adrenaline 

Rugby 7s is the short, ultra-dynamic version of the sport. It is played on a standard-sized pitch but in a seven-on-seven format. This means massive spaces to sprint into, lightning-fast paces, and incredible individual skill.

Lucio Radetich, technical delegate for the oval ball at CUS Salerno, breaks it down:

“Some people call Rugby 7s a lighter discipline, probably just because of the number of players. In reality, it is way more dynamic and therefore highly appreciated by newcomers. From a physical standpoint, it is just as demanding because the hits happen at a much higher speed. The matches consist of two seven-minute halves with just a one-minute interval… it is played at an incredibly intense pace.”

Who will claim the European crown? 

A total of 14 teams will battle it out on the pitch (8 men’s and 6 women’s teams). Back in 2024, in Debrecen, France dominated the scene with the University of Bordeaux winning both tournaments. What about this year? Get ready for an elite level of play where powerful EUROPEAN VOICES will compete for glory.

“I don’t think there is a clear favourite,” Radetich丈continues. “Teams of a medium-to-high standard are joining our tournament. In the men’s draw, keep an eye on the University of Parma, which hosts the Federal Academy and is definitely one of the most anticipated sides. In the women’s draw, we have Vienna, Clermont, Lyon, Zaragoza, Seville, and Granada. The Spanish school is a true benchmark in Rugby 7s, so top-tier entertainment is guaranteed.”

Teams to watch:

• Men’s Tournament: CUS Salerno, University of Rennes (France), Aachen University of Technology (Germany), and University of Parma.
• Women’s Tournament: Vienna (Austria), Clermont and Lyon (France), Zaragoza, Seville, and Granada (Spain).

CUS Salerno ready to defend their home turf 

Naturally, the hosts are ready to make their mark. CUS Salerno comes into the competition with a proud rugby tradition dating back to the 1980s, and they are eager to shine in front of their home crowd.

“As the host club,” Radetich highlights, “our main hope is to put on a great show, boosting the sport, the university, and all the hard work done at CUS Salerno. Because Rugby 7s requires a smaller squad compared to traditional rugby union, it can be a fantastic tool to help grow the sport across our region.”

Are you ready to cheer and experience the biggest ‘third time’ in Europe? Warm up your vocals, you are going to need them!