Sussie Rugby 2025/26 Season Kick-Off – Training Camp and Friendly Matches in Yverdon
Sussie Rugby launched their 2025/26 campaign with a productive training camp in Macolin, concluding with a double-header in Yverdon featuring two friendly fixtures: the Suisse U20s against a Yverdon/Vaudois Select XV, followed by the National Suisse team taking on Yverdon XV. The weekend offered valuable match experience and an early-season test for both national squads.
Game 1: Suisse U20s vs Yverdon/Vaudois Select XV
The U20s opened the day’s action with an impressive display of pace and precision, defeating the Yverdon/Vaudois Select XV 48–7.
Yverdon relied heavily on their superior size and experience up front, using a pick-and-go strategy to try and dominate through their forwards. However, the young Swiss side proved far more efficient with ball in hand. Their quick recycling and sharp execution stretched the defence repeatedly, turning opportunities into points with remarkable composure.
The U20s’ cohesion—built during the Macolin camp—was evident despite limited game time together. Their structure, energy, and decision-making marked them as a team on the rise, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
Game 2: National Suisse Team vs Yverdon XV
The second match saw a much-changed Suisse senior side from the end of last season. Several familiar names were missing, with others sidelined by injury but still present in support. Nonetheless, the few days of intensive training clearly paid off, as the team demonstrated encouraging cohesion and structure.
The opening stages were tight and tactical, dominated by penalty exchanges. Yverdon’s reliable kicker punished any Swiss indiscipline, though the game lacked attacking flair due to both sides opting to take points rather than risk field position.
Momentum shifted when Suisse found space out wide, crossing twice for tries that sent them into halftime with the lead. In the closing stages, Yverdon—trailing and pressed for time—finally changed their approach, kicking for the corner and mounting a sustained attack inside the Swiss 22. After repeated infringements near the line, Yverdon’s persistence paid off as they scored and converted to edge ahead by one point.
However, the Suisse side refused to concede. In the final minutes, they struck back with fast, open play, slicing through the defense for a decisive third try. The conversion sealed a 23–18 victory, capping off a hard-fought and disciplined performance.