Germany have taken the 2025 Euro D title after a strong performance over Norway which ended 32-18. They will be promoted to Euro C for the 2026 season, with Norway and Czechia being joined by the relegated team from Euro C.

“It was very hard fought match in atrocious conditions, windy rainy and a greasy ball and a very tough match on top of that. Its great to win and to move into Euro C” said German Co-Head Coach Bob Doughton. “We’ve been working very hard to set up regional federations in Germany and to build our domestic game and this will help us with that progress! Onwards and upwards!”

Brad Bilsborough opened Germany’s account on just four minutes with a show and go at the line, which he improved with his own conversion.

Seconds later Germany were in again as Linus Kurz finished an edge play to put Germany further ahead, with Bilsborough on target with the kick. 

Norway clicked into life and defences stood firm until Trygve Hansen found his way to the line out wide for the visitors, although Emi Grindheim was unable to add the extras.

Charlie Tetley extended Germany’s lead from the bench with a well worked try in centre-field, which Bilsborough converted, with the teams going in 18-4 at the break.

Germany kicked an early penalty after half time to nudge the scoreboard further upwards before Felix Rau powered through the centres to put them into a commanding lead, despite Bilsborough’s missed shot on goal.

Norway still had plenty of fight left in them, Jymaal Mellor-King calved his way through the middle of the park, converting his try to give the visitors hope, but another Bilsborough penalty and a Josh McConnel try, crashing through the middle, with Bilsborough kicking the conversion restored the German lead just after the hour mark. 

Norway finished with a final flourish as Kristoffer Milligan ran a superb line with ten minutes to go and Kristoffer Gradert also crossed to add some respectability to the scoreline, although Mellor-King was unable to improve with either of the kicks.

“As a playing group we can be very proud of our effort” said Isaac Schmidt, Norway Head Coach, who was hospitalised after the game with a deep cut to the eyebrow.

“We use exclusively players based in the Norwegian domestic competition and these games mean we vastly appreciated the experience. We were up for the challenge & really tested Germany in many aspects, but Germany used the best of their opportunities and that resulted in points. I think both teams responded well to the arm wrestle for momentum and I was very impressed with our young players that showed a lot of heart., especially Kristoffer Gradert who was strong at centre. What we take from this game will be very productive for how we continue to develop our National squad.”