Luxembourg has reached a momentous achievement by securing promotion to the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy for the 2024-25 season after an impressive 19-0 victory over Moldova in a gripping play-off match. This victory marks the first time that Luxembourg will compete in this prestigious tournament, signifying a historic milestone for the team.
Having demonstrated their dominance in the pool stage of the Rugby Europe Men’s Conference with a superior points-per-game ratio, Luxembourg had the advantage of playing at home in the Josy Barthel Stadium. However, it wasn’t until the 65th minute that they were able to assert their dominance and widen the gap between themselves and their opponents.
In the first half, the score remained close, with fly-half Finton Lawler’s try in the 32nd minute providing the only breakthrough. His skilful maneuver through Moldova’s midfield, exacerbated by the absence of a player due to a yellow card, allowed him to convert his own try, putting Luxembourg in the lead at 7-0.
The game remained deadlocked until the final quarter, when Luxembourg managed to secure two consecutive tries, propelling them to a commanding 19-0 lead. Prop Domenico Orsino’s physical presence and strategic offensive moves resulted in a try from five meters out on 65 minutes. This was followed by a third try, expertly converted from the touchline, further bolstering Luxembourg’s lead and sealing their victory.
In addition to their well-deserved promotion, Luxembourg is poised to achieve a new all-time high of 54th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings. This significant rise in the rankings reflects the team’s outstanding performance and places them in a favorable position for future competitions. Conversely, Moldova will fall to 59th place, further underscoring Luxembourg’s impressive advancement in the global rugby rankings.
The team’s remarkable journey to securing a coveted spot in the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and strategic prowess on the field. Luxembourg’s achievement has captivated rugby enthusiasts around the world and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
Luxembourg’s promotion to the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy signifies a new chapter in the country’s rugby history, as they prepare to compete at the highest level of European rugby. The team’s remarkable feat has garnered widespread acclaim and is a testament to the growing prominence of rugby in Luxembourg. With their eyes set on future triumphs, Luxembourg’s rugby team has solidified their status as a formidable presence on the international stage.