-
International Rugby in Zurich!
Saturday, 13th April 2024
11:00 - 21:00hrs
Utogrund Stadium, Zurich
Matchday Program
11:00 hrs U14 Exhibition Game
Zurich Rugby Academy vs. Rugby Club Winterthur13:00 hrs Women's XV Friendly Match
Switzerland vs. Heidelberger Ruderklub (HRK)14:30 hrs Pre-Match Music Entertainment
Music and Anthems by Harmonie Adliswil (brass band)15:30 hrs Rugby Europe Men's Trophy 23-24
Switzerland vs. Ukraine17:30 hrs Post-Match Music Entertainment
Live Concert by AG360822 (Rock/Pop/Indie/Grunge cover band)21:00 hrs Event close This will be only the second international rugby gameday to be played in the city of Zurich and is organised by the three Zurich city rugby clubs, Grasshopper Club Zürich Rugby Section, Rugby Union Zurich, and Zurich Rugby Academy, in collaboration with the Swiss Rugby Union.
The Swiss Men's XV national team is currently ranked 26th in the World Rugby Rankings and currently competes in the second division of the Rugby Europe International Championships in the Rugby Europe Men's Trophy. Switzerland Women's XV national team's current rank is 53 worldwide.
-
-
Swiss Rugby Union President's Address
Dear Swiss Rugby fans, curious sport enthusiasts, and esteemed visitors from Ukraine and Heidelberg,
Welcome to Zurich!
It brings me great pleasure that the Suisse Rugby Day is returning to this vibrant city. The excitement surrounding today's match is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for rugby in this region, which has produced new teams and clubs over the past few years, and continues to provide key players for both the Swiss women's and men's national teams, who will showcase their talent on the field today.
Both Swiss teams have distinct strategic objectives for today's game. The women's team continue their rebuilding process, while the men's team focuses on preserving their undefeated status. Nonetheless, both teams are committed to giving their all to entertain and impress us.
For further understanding of our teams' current state and aspirations, I encourage you to explore the insights provided in this ebrochure. It offers a glimpse into the mindset of our team staff and players as they prepared for the games.
Thank you for joining us for what promises to be an exhilarating day of rugby. I hope this event will inspire you to join the rugby family, if you're not already part of it. The three Zurich clubs, whose incredible support made this event possible, would be delighted to welcome you.
Warm regards,
Aurélie Lemouzy
President, Swiss Rugby Union -
-
Local Event Sponsors
Thank you to all our local event sponsors for making this event possible!
Main Local Event Sponsor & Communications Solution Partner
Communications solution provider to enable the livestream broadcast
-
Host Presidents' Welcome
Today, we are delighted to welcome the Swiss and Ukrainian national teams, as well as players from Heidelberg and our Junior players, for what will be the second ever International rugby match in Zurich. Since 2016, when Switzerland played Malta here in the Utogrund stadium, rugby has gone from strength to strength in Zurich. In addition, our national team have just secured promotion to the Rugby Europe Championship Division. Progress such as this happens only with teamwork and support. The three clubs of Grasshopper Club Rugby Section, Rugby Union Zurich and Zurich Rugby Academy are increasingly working closely together, and with the Swiss Rugby Union to promote the sport in our region.
We are immensely grateful to the organising committee and the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event a reality. In addition, we thank our event sponsors for their financial and logistical support, Harmonie Adliswil for taking time out of an already busy Sechseläuten weekend to play for us today and the Sportamt of the City of Zurich, for letting us use their beautiful stadium as venue for this event.
Throughout the day, we will be collecting donations on behalf of our match-day charity, Helfen Sie helfen, which supports people in need in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, as well as refugees in Zurich. In the spirit of solidarity, please do give as generously as you can.
We hope that you have a fantastic day and enjoy the celebration of rugby spirit that we have strived to create. Should you wish to get more involved in rugby in Zurich, please reach out to any of us - we look forward to seeing you on the pitch or touchline!
Josh Bjornson Ian Long Matthias Diez Grasshopper Club Zurich Rugby Section Zurich Rugby Academy Rugby Union Zurich Josh Bjornson
Grasshopper Club Zurich Rugby SectionIan Long
Zurich Rugby AcademyMatthias Diez
Rugby Union Zurich -
Local Event Partners
-
Introducing the Teams
Switzerland Men's XV
Thanks to their 35:10 victory over Croatia in Yverdon-les-Bains three weeks ago, Switzerland are now unbeaten in eight consecutive matches in the Rugby Europe Trophy. They have the chance to win the Grand Slam for a second time in a row this 2023/2024 season, should they achieve victory in the match against Ukraine this weekend. The Grand Slam means winning all five matches in the Rugby Europe Trophy, thus securing the Top spot in the table of the second-highest European league after the famous "Six Nations Tournament" (a closed competition in which England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy play for supremacy in European rugby).
The "Edelweiss XV" is currently in a key phase of its sportive development and can make history this Saturday with a promotion to the next division. This promotion represents a milestone in the history of Swiss rugby and offers the Swiss men's team the opportunity to compete against Georgia (2023 World Cup participants) as well as Spain and the Netherlands in the Rugby Europe Championship next season. Switzerland will then have to prepare for this new stage in the best possible way, as promotion also brings the opportunity to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Switzerland are currently 26th in the world rankings - The best position held by Swiss rugby since the association was founded in 1972.
As far as Switzerland's previous clash with Ukraine is concerned, after two defeats (in 1996 and 2001), Switzerland has prevailed against this opponent in recent encounters - with a clear 59:32 victory in their last meeting in March 2023.
Click here to see the team sheet of players nominated by coaches Olivier Nier and Matthieu Guyou-Kreis for today’s game:
Team Sheet: Switzerland Men's XV vs. Ukraine Men's XV, 13.04.2024 (www.rugbyeurope.eu)
Meet the Team / Player Profiles (www.suisserugby.com)
Ukraine Men's XV
Since 2022, the Ukrainian national rugby team has slipped in the World Rugby rankings and is currently ranked 55th. At the beginning of 2024, there were several changes to the Ukraine national team squad: A new coaching staff and particularly a new head coach were appointed and the squad was renewed. Following the 36:24 defeat against Sweden on 6
April in Trelloborg (Sweden), Ukraine is currently bottom of the table in the Rugby Europe Men's Trophy.Daily lives of Ukrainian athletes have drastically changed and Ukraine has been unable to host any international competitions (including Rugby). The situation in Ukraine has made it complicated to find proper and safe venues, and it has been hard for Ukrainian rugby players to commit and maintain their level. At the same time, many athletes have moved abroad to play for foreign clubs and are unable to return to Ukraine. Consequently, the only way to ensure effective training is to organize training camps outside of Ukraine, which brings financial and organisational challenges. Partner associations are repeatedly asked for help in organising and supporting these training camps.
In the previous encounters between Ukraine and Switzerland, both teams left the pitch with two wins each - with Switzerland winning the most recent matches in 2017 and March 2023.
Team Sheet: Switzerland Men's XV vs. Ukraine Men's XV, 13.04.2024 (www.rugbyeurope.eu)
Federation's Website (www.rugby.org.ua)
Switzerland Women's XV
In today’s coming match against the German champions, Heidelberger Ruderklub from Heidelberg (Germany), the Swiss Women's National Rugby XV Team is ready to showcase its blend of experienced players and fresh talent. The team is currently in a rebuilding phase, with five new faces set to make their debut in the Swiss jersey, highlighting the nation's commitment to growth in rugby.
This match also marks the final appearance of former captain Sabrina Walti, who has been a key figure in Swiss rugby. With nearly 20 international matches behind her, Bina leaves behind a legacy of dedication and leadership that has inspired her teammates.
As the team looks ahead, they are focused on the task at hand. Guided by experienced coaching staff Sebastien Dupoux (headcoach), Billy Valentine (back’s coach), Ali Nouri (forward’s coach), skills and fitness coach and former national team player Carole Casparis and Marcel Grebowski (physio), they approach the match with determination and respect for their opponents. It is a moment to celebrate the past, welcome the future, and represent Switzerland with pride on the rugby field.
Team Sheet: Switzerland Women's XV vs. Heidelberger Ruderklub Women's XV, 13.04.2024 (PDF)
Meet the Team / Player Profiles (www.suisserugby.com)
Heidelberger Ruderklub (HRK) Women's XV
Founded in 1872, Heidelberger Ruderklub (HRK) is a rowing club and the oldest rugby club in Germany. Edward Hill Ullrich, who translated the rugby union rules into German in 1891, founded the rugby section of the Heidelberg Rowing Club. It was the first of its kind in Germany. The HRK is regarded as one of the top names in German rugby and has been one of the most traditional, yet also most modern, rugby clubs in Germany since its foundation.
HRK won its first German men's championship title in 1927 and has gone on to win a further 14 championship titles recently. The women's title haul is also impressive. In the last 12 years, the young women's team has reached the «Bundesliga Final» nine sucessive times, winning on 7 occasions.
Almost all of today's players have been chasing the rugby ball at Heidelberger Ruderklub since childhood. The HRK repeatedly manages the difficult transition from mixed youth rugby, from which the girls switch to women's rugby at the age of 15, thus sucessfully integrating young talent into the women's team at an early stage.
The HRK makes up a significant part of the women's national team squad. There are currently eight 7s and 15s national team players in today’s HRK's national league squad.
Team Sheet: Switzerland Women's XV vs. Heidelberger Ruderklub Women's XV, 13.04.2024 (PDF)
Club Website (www.hrk1872.de)
Zurich Rugby Academy U14s
The ZRA U14 team (players born in 2010/2011) is an ever developing squad comprised of both boys and girls. They participate in regional tournaments against different clubs from the region. In preparation for this, they train on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Established in 2004, Zurich Rugby Academy is a thriving club where we nurture young people (U6 to U19) in rugby, in a welcoming and fun environment. Our coaches have a wealth of experience playing rugby both in Switzerland and abroad. Coupled with almost limitless enthusiasm, our training sessions are high tempo, fun and challenging. All abilities are welcome - join us!
Academy Website (www.zurichrugbyacademy.ch)
Rugby Club Winterthur U14s
The Winterthur Rugby Academy is an ambitious and rapidly expanding club that has formed an alliance with a number of Rugby Clubs in north-east Switzerland. We compete in tournaments all over Switzerland with our enthusiastic U8-U19 teams of boys and girls.
Training takes place in Winterthur on Saturday mornings, complemented by a mid-week evening session every week. Our focus is on combining fun, competitive spirit and passion for the sport of rugby alongside personal and team development - plus respect for each other and opponents. Our growing roster of coaches can’t wait to meet the rugby talent of the future.
Club Website (https://www.rugbyacademywinterthur.com)
-
Offers at the Stadium
This international rugby gameday takes place at Stadium Utogrund in the heart of the city of Zurich.
Infrastructure
- Toilets
1) near the entrance of the stadium
2) behind the Catering Area, on the parking lot - Medical Support
Should you need medical assistance, there are paramedics and an ambulance located at the beginning of the Catering Area.
Food & Drinks
- Main Bar - in the Catering Area, on the far end of the pitch
Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Lager, Amber and Alcohol-Free Beer, White & Red Wine & Prosecco
open until end of event (21:00) - Match Bar - near the entrance of the stadium
Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Lager, Amber and Alcohol-Free Beer, White & Red Wine & Prosecco
only open during games (11:00-18:00) - Food Stands
- Marina's Catering
Burgers, Sausages, French Fries & Sweets / Cakes - Faino
Varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings), Chebureky (fried oversized dumpling) & Syrniki (lightly sweetened quark pancakes) - El Compañero
Completos (Chilean hot dogs) & Empanadas (filled pastry)
- Marina's Catering
Entertainment
- Inflatable Goal Posts
Test your kicking game and score that conversion!
- Rugby Pass Wall
Test your passing skills by slotting these rugby balls through the holes!
- Events Sponsors Stands
Find out more about our event sponsors and their offerings at their stands.
- Live Music
Pre-Match and Anthems: Harmonie Adliswil (brass band)
Post-match concert (around 17:30): AG360822 (Rock/Pop/Indie/Grunge cover band)
Merchandise
- FSR Shop
Shop for official fan articles of the Swiss Rugby Union & their national rugby teams - Zurich Rugby Merchandise Shop
Buy merchandise from all three host clubs
Leaving the Stadium
The stadium is situated within a residential area - Please leave the ground quietly!
- Toilets
-
Local Event Beverage Partners
-
Our match day charity - Helfen Sie Helfen
Throughout the day, we will be collecting donations on behalf of our match-day charity, Helfen Sie helfen, a locally based organisation which has been helping the people of Ukraine and other Eastern European countries since 1999. Today, Helfen Sie helfen supports people in need within Ukraine and neighbouring countries, as well as refugees in Zurich. Their well-established networks enable them to transport goods to where they are most needed.
In addition to our cash collection, you can also donate via TWINT using the following payment link or QR code:
Please give as generously as you can - Thank you!
-
Rugby in the City of Zurich
The Suisse Rugby Day 2024 between Switzerland and Ukraine will be hosted by the Zurich city rugby clubs Rugby Union Zurich , Grasshopper Club Zürich - Rugby Section and Zurich Rugby Academy. Here you can find more information about the three clubs.
Rugby Union Zurich
Rugby Union Zurich 1st men's team plays in National League B of the Swiss Rugby Union. Newcomers to the sport have the opportunity to play as part of our regional development team of Grüezi XV in National League D.
Ever since our foundation in 2009, we see ourselves as an open and welcoming club - where newcomers meet experienced players and locals meet expats. We are always happy to welcome new faces - Just come along and join one of our training sessions!
Website: www.ru-zurich.ch
Email: info@ru-zurich.chGrasshoppers Club Zürich - Section Rugby
Rugby Club Zurich was founded in 1968 and is Switzerland’s second oldest rugby club. In 2008, the club joined the Grasshoppers Club Zürich as its 12th sport section. GC Zürich became champions of Switzerland by winning the Swiss Cup in 2013 and by winning the highest Swiss league (National League A) in 2014 and 2023.
Everyone of any age or experience is more than welcome at our trainings. We currently have the following teams: Three Mens Teams (National League A and Excellence A, along with a combined GrueziXV team with other local clubs playing in National League D), Ladies Team (Female National League), Zurich Springcows (veterans), Zurich Gnomes (golden oldies)
Website: www.gc-rugby.ch
Email: Secretary@gc-rugby.chZurich Rugby Academy
Zurich Rugby Academy is a thriving sports club established in 2004 with the vision of nurturing young rugby players and engaging committed supporters in a welcoming and fun environment, where everyone has the chance to grow. We have a enthusiastic team of coaches and volunteers who train players and prepare teams for participation in games and tournaments. We are supported by the FSR (Swiss Rugby Federation), ZSS and ZKS (cantonal level sports authorities) and are proud partners of Grasshoppers Club - Rugby Section and Rugby Union Zurich. Our values of commitment, discipline, fair play, inclusivity, passion and respect ensure that all players achieve the greatest possible participation and enjoyment from playing the game of Rugby.
Website: www.zurichrugbyacademy.ch
Email: info@zurichrugbyacademy.ch -
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the international rugby game on 13th April 2024 in Zurich, please contact us via international2024@igacr.ch.
For enquiries regarding sponsorship of the Swiss Rugby Federation and their events, please contact FSR Communications & PR Manager Barbara Frauenfeld.
-
Sunrise
Local Event Communication Partner
