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Double Test upsets as Rugby Europe teams shock North America
Spain have made history, defeating the United States for the very first time with a 31-20 victory at the American Legion Memorial Stadium.
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After a brief kick-off delay due to weather, Pablo Bouza’s side struck early through a clever short punt from scrum-half Tani Bay, regathered by wing Martiniano Cian and dotted down in the corner. Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2025 Player of the Tournament, Gonzalo López Bontempo, slotted the conversion.
The Eagles, rocked by Spain’s fast start, struggled in the lineout and failed to capitalise on promising field position inside the opposition 22.
But the nightmare wasn’t over for the hosts. A series of fumbles handed the visitors more momentum, with back row Matheo Triki hacking the ball deep into the American half. Bay pounced to score under the posts.
Five minutes later, López Bontempo crossed for Spain’s third try, stretching the lead to 21 points.
With pride on the line, Scott Lawrence’s men responded—captain Ben Bonasso bagging a brace in quick succession, both converted by AJ MacGinty, to close the gap to seven at the break.
After the restart, the USA looked sharper and closed the deficit to a single point with two MacGinty penalties.
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But as errors crept back into the game, both sides struggled for control. Spain’s defence held firm, producing a string of turnovers to repel the American comeback.
With the Eagles growing increasingly frantic, Spain seized the initiative—López Bontempo adding a penalty before number eight Raphaël Nieto finished off a thunderous maul in the dying moments.
It marks Spain’s first win over the USA after five previous defeats. Bouza’s side now head to Edmonton to face a wounded Canada, fresh off a shock 25-18 loss to Belgium.
Belgium stun Canada in historic upset
Despite taking an early lead, Canada were undone by a dazzling display from Matias Remue, who orchestrated Belgium’s attack and teed up his brother Florian for the opening try.
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The hosts hit back, but lightning wing Siméon Soenen sliced through to score Belgium’s second.
Canada regained the lead through a dominant maul, with hooker Andrew Quattrin powering over. But the tide turned again in the second half as Belgium took control.
Florian Remue kicked eight points via two penalties and a conversion, while Soenen bagged his second try to seal a famous win for the Diables Noirs.
Sion Parry added a late consolation for Canada, who now prepare to welcome a buoyant Spanish side.
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