Portugal’s University rugby team wins the European “Sevens” Championship – Portugal Resident
The Académica de Coimbra, representing the University of Coimbra, has written a golden chapter in the history of Portuguese university sport at the European Universities Games, held in Salerno Italy from July 28 to 30.
Although France was considered favourite, and after a difficult start that saw them fall behind 0-5, the Portuguese students built an outstanding defensive wall, completely neutralising the powerful French attacks.
Thanks to a disciplined and consistent performance, the team grew in confidence, regained territorial control and eventually crossed the try line twice to secure a well-deserved 12–5 victory.
This triumph places Coimbra at the pinnacle of European university rugby and confirms the excellence of a programme that has firmly established Portuguese university rugby among the continent’s leading forces in the sport.
During the tournament, the team from Coimbra eliminated the reigning university champions of Spain, Italy and Turkey before defeating the powerful French side from the University of Rennes in the final match.
The team was led by head coach Sérgio Franco, a former Portugal international player who recently returned to the European scene as a coach to guide a new generation of players. Sérgio, whose paternal family originates from Lagoa, is now relaxing in Carvoeiro where he usually spends his summer holidays.
In a tournament that brought together some of Europe’s finest universities, Coimbra demonstrated its competitiveness and distinctive style of play, enhancing the international reputation of Portuguese university rugby.
More than simply a sporting success, this European title is a source of immense pride for the University of Coimbra as well as the Associação Académica de Coimbra.
