1 July 2026 | Estonian Rugby Union
Estonian rugby is making history again: for the first time ever, an Estonia U18 Boys team will compete at a European Championship. The Rugby Europe U18 Boys 7s Trophy 2 takes place on 17–18 July in Budapest, Hungary.
Thirteen young players aged 15–17 will represent Estonia on the international stage for the first time in the history of Estonian youth rugby. This is the biggest rugby experience of their young lives — and we need your help to get them there.
Help them get there
We need to raise €6,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs. The deadline is mid-July, before the squad departs. Every contribution counts:
The squad & staff
- Head Coach: Tanner Saar
- Manager: Paul Davidson
- Physiotherapist: Siret Täks
Head Coach Tanner Saar is an active member of the Estonia Men’s 7s national team — he represented Estonia at the Rugby Europe Conference 2 Championships in Kosovo in June. Now he leads the next generation on their first international journey.
Already proven against adults
These young men from Sohni have already shown they can compete with senior players. On 30 May, they entered the Estonian 7s Championship under the Kirbla Rugby Union Football Club name, playing four matches against adult teams from Estonia and Latvia.
Results:
- Kalev 52 : 0 Sohni/Kirbla
- Vikat 48 : 0 Sohni/Kirbla
- Sohni/Kirbla 21 : 15 Old Boys/Tartu (WIN against senior side)
- Fēnikss (Latvia) 24 : 12 Sohni/Kirbla
The 15–17 year-olds won a bronze medal at the national championships, finishing third and beating an adult team 21–15. Losses came only against Estonia’s two strongest clubs, whose squads include senior national team players.
Gallery from the championship (Sohni/Kirbla played in black/purple jerseys)
Why this matters
2026 has been a landmark year for Estonian rugby at every level:
- The Women’s 7s team won their first-ever international match
- The Men’s 7s team reached the semi-finals for the third year running
- Now, for the first time, a youth squad competes at the European Championships
These 13 young men are the future of Estonian rugby. Their first European experience is an investment in the sport’s future across the whole country.
For businesses
We are also seeking sponsors and partners who want to support the development of Estonian youth rugby. We offer visibility on playing kit, social media channels, and championship coverage. If your company would like to help young athletes onto the European stage for the first time, get in touch: teamestonia@ragbi.ee
Media contact: Paul Davidson | teamestonia@ragbi.ee