ABOUT
Following our participations in a few European Championship organizations, METU and İ.D. Bilkent Universities decided to host an international event on our respective campuses. Both of our universities take pride in their international status. Furthermore, since English is the primary language of instruction at both universities, many overseas students attend both undergraduate and graduate programs on both campuses. Our institutions have also participated in Erasmus programs, which resulted in a large number of international exchange students on our campuses. As a result, we, as neighboring campus universities, have chosen to collaborate on an international sporting event. This event will be one of the rearest sporting event organized by EUSA, just because two university campuses will be used just for one sport branch. Games will be held in both campuses.
WELCOME MESSAGES
Adam Roczek, EUSA President
Dear Friends,
It is with great pleasure and appreciation that I extend a warm welcome to all our Organizing Committees, athletes, partner universities, member and associated member institutions across Europe.
As we embark on another exciting chapter in the European University Sports Association's journey, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the commitment, energy, and collaboration you continuously bring to our shared mission. Your involvement is the cornerstone of every successful event, initiative, and milestone we achieve.
The European Universities movement continues to grow, thanks to your trust and dedication. Whether you are hosting a Championship, supporting student-athletes, or engaging in our educational and social responsibility projects, your contributions are shaping the future of university sport in Europe.
Our achievements in recent years, from the record-breaking European Universities Games to the expansion of our membership network, are a testament to the strength of our community. This success would not be possible without your invaluable partnership and the spirit of cooperation that defines our work together.
As we look forward to the 2025 European Universities Championships and beyond, I am confident that, together, we will continue to deliver impactful experiences for students, foster lasting international relationships, and inspire the next generation through sport.
Looking ahead, I invite all of you to join us for the 2025 European Universities Championships and to prepare for the European Universities Games 2026 in Salerno, Italy. These events are set to be even more inspiring as we strengthen the role of university sport in fostering inclusion, excellence, and cross-cultural dialogue across Europe.
As always, our achievements are the result of collective efforts. My sincere gratitude goes to our Member Federations, Organizing Committees, volunteers, partners, and the EUSA staff for their dedication and enthusiasm. I also thank FISU and the European Commission for their ongoing support, which enables us to expand our impact year after year.
Thank you for being an essential part of the EUSA Family. The championships are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our collective efforts.
Let’s make 2025 another landmark year for university sports and the upcoming years!
Prof. Dr. Kürşat Aydoğan, Rector of Bilkent İ.D. University
Dear EUSA Family, Athletes, Coaches, and Rugby Enthusiasts,
On behalf of Bilkent University, it is my great honor to welcome you to the European Interuniversity Rugby Tournament. We are thrilled to co-host this exciting event, bringing together talented student-athletes from across Europe in a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
At Bilkent, we believe in the power of sports to unite people, foster discipline, and inspire excellence—both on and off the field. Our campus offers a wide variety of sports facilities for our students and staff so that they can engage in physical activity of their choice. Bilkent is recognized as “sports friendly campus” by Higher Education Council of Türkiye.
While rugby may be a growing sport in Türkiye, Bilkent University is proud to be at the forefront of promoting it, by co-hosting this tournament. Rugby, with its unique blend of strategy, strength, and camaraderie, embodies the values we cherish. This tournament is not just about winning; it is about building connections, pushing limits, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. To our visiting teams: We extend our warmest Turkish hospitality and hope you enjoy your time in Ankara. May the matches be fierce, fair, and unforgettable.
To the organizers, referees, and supporters: Thank you for your dedication in making this event possible.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Rector of Middle East Technical University
Dear Competitors and Friends,
Few occasions unite passion, excellence, and camaraderie as vividly as this championship. It is a distinct privilege to welcome you to Ankara for the 2025 EUSA (European University Sports Association) European Universities Rugby 7s Championship, proudly hosted by Middle East Technical University in collaboration with Bilkent University. This championship brings together student-athletes from across Europe, embodying physical talent, perseverance, integrity, and a genuine dedication to the spirit of international sport.
At METU, we view education as a journey that expands knowledge while nurturing character, responsibility, and purpose. Renowned globally for our achievements in science, engineering, and social sciences, our university thrives on openness, collaboration, and meaningful social impact. Spanning 4,500 hectares, including the scenic Lake Eymir and over 3,000 hectares of reforested land, our campus embodies our lasting commitment to sustainability and mindful growth.
Hosting an international championship demands careful planning, coordination, and dedication. However, its true essence lies in the shared values that elevate sport beyond mere competition. Here, fairness becomes a lived principle, respect translates into action, and human connection blossoms in every interaction, both on and off the field. Ultimately, it is the spirit shaping each moment, not merely the results, that leaves a lasting imprint.
Rugby itself perhaps best exemplifies this spirit, teaching us to meet challenges with character, focus, trust, and teamwork. It reminds us that strength flourishes through unity, and the most valuable victories transcend the scoreboard.
To each athlete and guest, we extend a heartfelt welcome to METU, Bilkent University, and Ankara. May this event inspire new perspectives, forge lasting friendships, and create memories to cherish.
Let this championship begin with energy, purpose, and mutual respect.
Prof. Dr. Mutlu Türkmen
President, Türkiye University Sports Federation
Dear EUSA Family,
Dear Athletes, Coaches, and Guests,
It is a great honor to welcome you to Türkiye, and to the vibrant city of Ankara for the European Universities Rugby 7s Championship 2025, hosted by İ.D. Bilkent University and Middle East Technical University.
Rugby 7s is a sport that embodies speed, strategy, and spirit — all qualities we also value deeply in higher education. This championship is more than a tournament; it is a gathering of young individuals who strive for excellence not only in sport, but in character, teamwork, and resilience.
At Türkiye University Sports Federation, we are committed to promoting a sporting culture where students can grow as athletes and as engaged citizens. We believe that university sport must be a space where friendships are built, values are shared, and where the energy of youth can be transformed into lasting impact.
Together with EUSA and our dedicated partners, we are working to ensure that these championships reflect the very best of European university sport — high-level competition in a fair, respectful, and inspiring environment.
We wish every team success on the pitch, and every participant a memorable stay in Ankara. May this experience remind us all of the joy of sport and the strength of the university sports community across Europe.
Wherever the next championships take us, we look forward to meeting again — with renewed energy, shared values, and a love for sport that brings us together.