1
Fans will be dancing in the Netherlands following critical Rugby Europe decision
By Online Editors
The Netherlands have been confirmed winners of the 2019/20 Rugby Europe Trophy, the second division of Test rugby's Europe scene, which gives them the chance to contest the play-off match for a shot at promotion to the Championship and involvement in qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
With the season interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rugby Europe board of directors proposed to the competing unions (Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine) to play the remaining games during the second half of 2020, with the understanding that no one will be forced to play and that no relegation will apply from Trophy to Conference level this year.
There were further decisions regarding match points scored in case of unability to play of one or both teams: Unability to play of both teams = draw (2 points for each team), unability to play of one team = defeat for that team by 25-0 (0 point) and victory for the opponent 25-0 (5 points).
After a consultation process, three results have been confirmed, with another three matches to be scheduled at a later date.
The results were as follows: Switzerland/Netherlands: Draw; Ukraine/Switzerland: Draw; Lithuania/Poland: Victory of Lithuania. Games to be scheduled (date to be confirmed): Poland/Ukraine; Germany/Lithuania; Ukraine/Germany.
Considering these results and the matches to be planned, the Netherlands can no longer be overtaken in the rankings and are officially declared as the winners of the 2019/2020 competition.
They will now face the country ranked last in the 2020 Rugby Europe Championship to reach the top European competition. Their opponent will be known following the final round of 2020 Rugby Europe Championship competition, which dates will be announced in due course.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
3
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I would go as far as to say they trend towards the Ben Smith style engagement. Utter crap.
I don't think any All Black coach has had a tougher first year than this (so to here that they did that is really poor).
They is of course the sky production, the producer behind the scenes. They select commentators to deliver on that content they're going to provide them with, which means they have to be 'yes' mean. Mills is the A grade yes man. Actually really please Mills seems to be acting stronger, more with his own personality these days, and the game day commentry teams have bee pretty good imo. Bates, Steven, Shields, even that italian player was alright last week.
Go to commentsAs Naas would say... A win is a win.
It was not perfect and at times frustrating. All 3 tests were not the best by the Boks and they still found ways to win.
Rassie would have noted the sloppyness at times and silly mistakes. The 9's made amateur handling mistakes when clearing the rucks in all 3 tests.
Once the "stupid" mistakes are eliminated, this Bok team will be very very hard to beat.
Go to comments