LIVESTREAM: Norway @ Belgian Barbarians, Aug. 31, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)

The Belgian Barbarians welcome Norway to Brussels Tigers’ field in an international exhibition game, marking Norway’s return to competition after COVID-19 disruptions and Belgium’s ongoing rebuild under head coach Cyrille Bouron’s revamped staff.

Belgium’s evolution under Bouron
Since a 24-14 November 2024 loss to the Netherlands, Bouron has blended veteran leadership with emerging talent, supported by a new offensive coordinator. The coach emphasized squad cohesion, noting a “strong harmony” between generations during preparations.

Norway’s competitive return
Norway’s roster, untested since pre-pandemic tournaments, features seasoned players eager to reignite their international presence. Bouron acknowledged their potential challenge but affirmed his team’s readiness to counter their opponent’s preparation edge.

This friendly serves as a critical gauge for both squads: Belgium seeks momentum ahead of future fixtures, while Norway aims to reestablish competitiveness on the European stage.