Andorra Women Crush Croatia 29-5 in Rugby Euro Opener; Men Lose 17-38 to Bilbao

Andorra's women's rugby team launched their European Championship campaign in the 15-a-side Conference division with a commanding 29-5 victory over Croatia in Sinj, rallying from a tentative first half to dominate after the break.

Les Grandalles endured an imprecise opening period marked by debut nerves and a lack of fluidity, allowing Croatia to score the only points before halftime. The team adjusted sharply in the second half, bolstering their defence and advancing with greater resolve in attack. Improved accuracy and confidence propelled them to pull away decisively. The win, secured without injured key player Noèlia Pauls, highlights the solid groundwork under coach Jordi Fidalgo and marks an ideal start, bolstering the squad's standing on the international stage.

In contrast, the men's VPC Andorra team fell 38-17 to Universitario Bilbao Rugby on Sunday at Polideportivo Errekalde, their second straight loss in the Division of Honor B promotion phase.

Despite missing Pep Arasanz to injury and Mateo Macchi and Arnau Granyena through suspension, VPC briefly led with early tries from Cristian Emanuel Abarca and Kgoposto Mpho-Entie—listed in one report as Kgoposto Matlena—plus a conversion and further points from Borja Lozano and Guillem Badia. Bilbao responded late in the first half with a converted try of their own, holding a narrow 17-14 lead at the interval after a local mark turned the momentum. VPC added only a penalty from Leon Laguerre after the restart, while Bilbao capitalized on errors—exacerbated by a yellow card to Luvo Bazi just before halftime—to score three more tries and seal the result.

The defeat leaves VPC pointless and bottom of the promotion group following their opener against Club Rugby Alcalá, with the fourth-placed Gipuzkoa now seven points ahead after three rounds (VPC have played two). Coach Dani Raya's side hosts undefeated leaders Getxo Rugby—winners of their first three matches—next Sunday at midday, a pivotal home fixture to spark their Elite Division promotion push.