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World Rugby have not changed their minds. Spain have been disqualified from competing at Rugby World Cup 2023. The decision follows an appeal which Spain contested the decision. It means that the April 28 decision to disqualify Spain is upheld.
Click here to read outcome from April 28.
With Spain eliminated from RWC qualifying, Los Leones place as Europe 2 has gone to Romania. Portugal is now back in the frame. Os Lobos will be the European entrant in repechage.
Spain were deemed guilty of breaching player eligibility laws by selecting South African prop Gavin van den Berg as a replacement in two Rugby Europe Championship matches against the Netherlands. Spain won the matches 43-0 and 52-7 to claim maximum competition points.
As Europe 2, Romania will compete in Pool B at RWC 2023. The group also contains South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland. The final place in the group will go to the Asia/Pacific qualifier. That team is widely expected to be Tonga.
Romania will play first against Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday, September 09, 2023. The Oaks will remain in Bordeaux for game two which will be against South Africa on Sunday, September 17.
The Eastern Europeans will subsequently play games three and four in Northern France. Romania will take-on Scotland in Lille on Saturday, September 30 and also play in Lille against the Asia/Pacific qualifier on Sunday, October 08.
Romania is the 16th team confirmed for RWC 2023. The four remaining slots will all be determined in matches this year. The USA vs Chile series will decide who joins Argentina in Pool D. The loser, on aggregate, of that series will face Portugal, Africa 2 and the Asia/Pacific runner-up to determine the final competitor at RWC 2023.
