Andorra's Les Grandalles Draw Switzerland, Beat Montenegro to Boost Trophy Survival

Andorra's women's rugby sevens team, Les Grandalles, kept their Women's 7s Trophy Series survival hopes alive with a vital draw against Switzerland and a win over Montenegro on Friday, despite opening defeats to Italy and Norway.

The side, coached by Patrick Bosque—also known as Titi Bosque—began the second leg of the 2026 series in Chisinau, Moldova, with heavy losses on Thursday: 61-0 against title contender Italy and 31-7 to a robust Norway. Those results followed a second-to-last finish in the first stage in Makarska, Croatia, heightening the pressure to avoid the two relegation spots to the Conference.

Les Grandalles responded strongly the next day. They drew 17-17 with Switzerland in a tense encounter, trailing 17-5 with four minutes left before Miren Barciela's long run secured the equaliser in the final play. They then beat direct rival Montenegro 17-12.

The draw with Switzerland now positions Andorra to fight for ninth place against the Swiss again on Saturday, with a win potentially confirming Trophy status. Croatia remains a key competitor in the relegation battle.

The tournament provides Les Grandalles a pivotal opportunity to maintain their second-tier standing as smaller European nations increase participation in sevens rugby.