World Rugby statement: Spain appeal 2023 RWC disqualification
Spain have launched an appeal against the decision that has seen them thrown out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup where they had qualified to feature in a pool in France that included defending champions South Africa, Ireland and Scotland.
The alleged tampering of a passport belonging to South African Gavin van den Berg, who played in two recent European qualifying matches, resulted in last month’s April 28 decision by World Rugby to deduct ten points from Spain, a verdict that would see Romania qualify as Europe 2 in Pool B and allow Portugal to replace Romania in the final qualification tournament next November.
That verdict acknowledged that Spain had the right to lodge an appeal within 14 days of the date of the full written decision of the committee and they have now done so.
A World Rugby statement read: “Spain have lodged an appeal against the independent judicial committee’s decision in respect of a breach of the World Rugby eligibility regulation in the context of Europe region Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifiers.
“Formal submissions by the union have been received following a short extension of the appeal deadline.
“On May 5, an independent judicial committee determined that Spain breached the World Rugby eligibility regulation by fielding Gavin van den Berg in two Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification matches. The sanction imposed by the committee included a fine and points deduction resulting in Spain no longer qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. The union has appealed the committee’s decision and sanction.
“An independent Appeal Committee comprising Wang Shao Ing (chair), Adam Casselden SC and John Langford will consider the appeal with the hearing date to be confirmed in due course.”
- Click here to read the full written decision
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wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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