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In an unprecedented move World Rugby have agreed that the controversial World Cup qualifying match between Belgium and Spain that took place on March 18 in Brussels should be replayed. The governing body issued a statement on Thursday afternoon implying that Spain’s request for a change in match officials prior to the match was warranted.
“World Rugby was deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding the Belgium versus Spain Rugby Europe Championship match, a match that was decisive in the context of Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification. Specifically, concerns related to the process and perception of Rugby Europe’s appointment of a match official team that was not neutral in the context of qualification and failing to act on Spain’s concerns in respect of the appointment.
“While recognising Rugby Europe’s responsibility to review events in their own competition, given the context and significance of the fixture World Rugby acted immediately to request information relating to the above issues from Rugby Europe and participating unions. Having considered all available information, the World Rugby Executive Committee and Rugby World Cup Board felt that a replay would be in the best interests of the game.”
That decision, however, has been put on the shelf pending an independent review of multiple allegations of ineligible player participation. Chief among the concerns is the repeated selection of Sione Faka’osilea by Romania having previously played sevens for Tonga. Players from Belgium, Spain, and Russia have now been cited, the latter only in recent days. Anton Rudoi played for Kazakhstan before being capped by Russia but is certain to be cleared having gone through the Olympic Sevens loophole.
Barring the discovery of further exceptional circumstances it seems most likely that the findings of the eligibility inquiry will supersede those of the match replay. World Rugby have not given a time frame for completion of the independent review.
“Since expressing that view, new information relating to player eligibility in the Rugby Europe Championship has been presented to World Rugby by the participating unions. Given this information concerns potential breach of World Rugby regulations and given the complexity and interconnectivity of the issues, a full and independent review is warranted. This is in the best interests of the sport, teams and fans and is fully supported by Rugby Europe.
“World Rugby’s independent Judicial Panel Chairman Christopher Quinlan QC has been asked to form and convene the disputes committee, as permitted under the Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification terms of participation, on an emergency basis in order to achieve certainty as soon as possible.”
The independent review committee is also set to assess the administrative process of the Rugby Europe Championship as a whole while the charges of improper player conduct following the conclusion of the match in Brussels will be handed to a separate independent judicial committee. A group of Spanish players approached the match officials following the match with at least one appearing to make physical contact with the referee.
In the meantime the European play-off to determine who advances to play Samoa in the next stage of World Cup qualifying has been delayed indefinitely until the reviews have been completed. The Rugby Europe relegation match between Germany and Portugal could also be affected pending the findings from the eligibility inquiry.
A chronological detailing of all events following the match can be seen here. World Rugby’s statement in its entirety can be seen here.
