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Russia upset the odds to win the 2009 FIRA European title beating France 26-19 at the AWD Arena in Hanover.

With the French heading into the Final unbeaten over the weekend, many expected them to take home the title but they were left stunned by the rearguard Russians who edged came back from 19-0 to score four 2nd half tries. The victory was sweet revenge for Russia, who had narrowly lost out to their French counterparts on Day 1 of the competition, 15-12.

Both the finalist had cruised through their Cup Semi-Finals, with Russia clinically seeing off the impressive run of Spain 24-7 and the French outplaying Italy 38-5. The Italians took some solace though battling to a 19-12 win over the Spanish to in their 3rd/4th match.

The major surprise on Day 1 of the season’s finale was the capitulation of favourites Portugal who lost firstly to Georgia (12-7) and then fell to Iberian rivals Spain (14-7) in Pool 2.

The result relegated them to the Plate competition where they eventually ran out winners courtesy of a 69-0 crushing of Romania. Pool 2 proved to be very tight with Italy having to settle for two draws with Spain (7-7) and Poland (5-5).

The Spanish topped the group thanks to wins over Georgia (26-10), Poland (45-0), as well as the win over Portugal. France breezed through Pool 1 to book to book their spot in the last four including a 49-7 win over Romania. Hosts Germany came back from a winless Day 1 to take the Bowl with a 12-7 win over Poland to the delight of their fans.

“We gave all we have in the second period to have no regrets,” explained victorious Russia captain Alexander Yanyushkin. “We did not want to let the score go and finally we win this competition. I am really proud of this team.”

England take title in Women's competition

England’s Women stormed to success in their European Final beating Spain in thrilling fashion 20-12. The Red Roses had to dig deep though, being down to five players at one point during the 20-minute match. And after going 10-12 down in the second-half they came back out firing with Heather Fisher touching down for the vital try.

England booked their place in the final after a dominant 44-0 victory over host side Germany, which saw them score eight tries. On route to the knock-out stages England touched down for 15 tries and conceded just one try when they took on France, Spain, Portugal and Sweden in the pool games.

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