Andorra lose 33-20 to Israel in Rugby Europe Conference opener
Israel overturned a narrow half-time deficit with a dominant second-half display at the Estadi Nacional, as Andorra began their European campaign with a 20-33 defeat.
Key Points
- Andorra lost 20-33 to Israel at the Estadi Nacional in their first Rugby Europe Conference 2026-2027 match.
- Israel scored four tries, two conversions and three penalties; Andorra managed two tries, two conversions and two penalties.
- Andorra led narrowly at half-time but Israel's physical superiority after the break decided the contest.
- Four Andorra debutants featured: Matías Barrera, Adrià Pintat, Julià Pintat and Unai Xarpell.
Andorra's national rugby team opened its Rugby Europe Conference 2026-2027 campaign with a 20-33 defeat to Israel at the Estadi Nacional.
The isards held a narrow lead at half-time, having matched a physically imposing Israeli side through the opening 40 minutes, but Israel's superior power after the break turned the match. Israel capitalised on Andorra's fatigue in the second half to overturn the scoreboard.
Israel finished with four tries, two conversions and three penalties, while Andorra managed two tries, two conversions and two penalties. More than 350 spectators attended at the Estadi Nacional.
Thierry Barbière's side went into the fixture hoping to challenge for the group leadership, and began the European campaign with a defeat.
Andorra fielded a rejuvenated squad that included four debutants: Matías Barrera, Adrià Pintat, Julià Pintat and Unai Xarpell. Christian Abarca was unavailable due to physical problems, while Alain Bonell made his debut on the coaching staff as the person responsible for the backs.
The match was notable for being played in Andorra even though Israel acted as the home side, a consequence of the fixture having been moved from the Middle East. The Estadi Nacional hosted the game with reinforced security and specific access controls. The day passed without incident.
The result means Andorra could not repeat the victories they had recorded in the two previous meetings between the two national teams.
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