The closest title race in European rugby you’ve probably never heard about

Poland will host Sweden, while Czechia travel to face Denmark. Promotion will be decided by total points accumulated across the two-year competition. Currently, Poland lead with 38 points, followed by Czechia on 34 and Sweden on 33.

With Czechia kicking off earlier in the day, both Poland and Sweden will have a clear understanding of what is required in their clash to secure promotion.

Last year, Poland defeated Sweden on the final day to secure a Grand Slam in the first year of the cycle.

Sweden head coach Alex Laybourne shared his thoughts ahead of the decisive fixture, focusing on the challenge his side faces and their mindset going into the game.

"We're focused on trying to put the right performance in, that we need to get the result against Poland. It's obviously going to be incredibly tough because Poland are the favourites in this scenario.

"They're at home, 3,000 plus crowd which I think is a sell-out, that in itself is a really exciting opportunity for us as a group and we want to go out there and show who we are and what we're capable of doing. Ultimately what will be, will be."

While the title race is the main focus, Lithuania, Croatia and Denmark are separated by four points at the bottom, with the bottom side being relegated to the Rugby Europe Conference.

Lithuania host Croatia in what will also be a game with huge ramifications, and it comes following a Scandinavian derby last week which saw Denmark narrowly defeated by the Swedes 33-32 in Trelleborg.

Laybourne also reflected on the competitiveness of the league over the past two years, highlighting how it has benefited his squad.

"Over two years, there's been such a competitive league at the top and at the bottom, because that Croatia and Lithuania game comes down to the final game as well.

"At the top end, we've had a scenario where the title could end up being decided on points difference. I think it's great for the Trophy and for Rugby Europe."

"You can have the top and the bottom going down to points difference, it's a real positive in the fact that you've got competitive games, yes there are a couple of blowouts, but they haven't all been. You've had closer games between the top three and bottom three as well so that's nice to see."

There is also a notable contrast in the structures of the three competing nations. Poland operate with a semi-professional setup, combining a semi-pro domestic league with players based overseas at a high level.

Czechia, meanwhile, have taken steps toward professionalism through their Rugby Europe Super Cup team, the Bohemia Warriors, which provides players with regular top-level European competition.

In contrast, Sweden remain a fully amateur side, making their push for promotion particularly impressive. Laybourne explained the reasons behind the rising standard across the competition.

"The time invested by coaches and management staff shouldn't be underestimated… You have to play those at a higher level so Denmark have come up and played Poland, us Croatia, Lithuania and that's allowed them to raise that base level.

"The more experienced you are in the league, the more you realise how tough it is and people challenge themselves to raise it. Czech raised their game by professionalising their set-up, bringing those guys through and that required us and Poland to keep up."

Sweden could also receive a significant boost depending on the availability of Leicester Tigers prop Ale Loman. With the fixture falling outside the Test window, the club is under no obligation to release him, leaving the decision entirely in their hands.

As the only Swedish player competing in the Gallagher PREM, his inclusion would be a major addition to the squad.