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Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 qualifiers will begin in Europe in March. The qualifying tournament of the Rugby Europe Championship has been announced. Favorites Georgia will travel to Portugal on the opening round of the qualifiers. Russia will play host to Romania in the other match on the opening weekend.
Yet to be confirmed are all participants. Thus far five of the six teams are known. They are Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, and Spain. The sixth participant will be either Belgium or the Netherlands.
The Rugby Europe Championship will be played over two years. The 2021-2022 edition will reward two countries with qualifying places at RWC 2023 in France. The third placed side will enter repechage.
The corresponding qualifiers for the previous RWC were marred by controversy. Romania qualified for RWC 2019 only to be disqualified after the fact. Belgium and Spain were also both disqualified. Russia ultimately replaced Romania and had the honor of facing Japan in the RWC 2019 tournament opener in Tokyo.
RWC 2023: EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES
March 6/7: Portugal vs Georgia
March 6/7: Russia vs Romania
March 13/14: Spain vs Georgia
March 13/14: Portugal vs Rumania
March 20/21: Russia vs Georgia
March 20/21: Romania vs Spain
March 27/28: Georgia vs Romania
March 27/28: Portugal vs Spain
June 26/27: Georgia vs Belgium / Netherlands
July 3/4: Spain vs Russia
July 3/4: Romania vs Belgium / Netherlands
July 10/11: Belgium / Netherlands vs Portugal
July 17/18: Belgium / Netherlands vs Spain
November 6/7: Belgium / Netherlands vs Russia
The kick-off times, dates, and venues are yet to be finalized.
