The 1980–81 FIRA Trophy was the 21st edition of a European rugby union championship for national teams.

The tournament was won by Romania, who achieved a Grand Slam, defeating all their opponents.

Romania had a memorable 15–0 win over France at 23 November 1980, in Bucharest.

Spain and Poland relegated to division 2 Germany Promoted to division 1 Yugoslavia relegated to division 3 Portugal promoted to division 2