Romanian referee Vlad Iordachescu watches the action during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Europe Qualifier match between Belgium and Spain held at Little Heysel next to King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

World Rugby have confirmed that Russia will be joining Ireland in Pool A at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, after both Spain and Romania had their appeals against a points deduction rejected.

Romania originally thought they had won a place at the tournament as they topped the European qualifying group with Spain in second, but both sides were deducted points for fielding ineligible players, allowing Russia, who finished third, to qualify in their place.

There was additional controversy in the group as Spain slipped to a shock defeat to Belgium in the final game, allowing Romania to overtake them at the top of the table and apparently qualify for the main tournament. The Spanish were unhappy with the appointment of a Romanian referee for the Belgian game, citing an alleged conflict of interest.

Romania and Spain both appealed against the points deduction sanctions to an independent committee, while Spain were also seeking a replay of their game with Belgium in light of the referee controversy.

World Rugby announced today that the Independent Disputes Committee had ruled in favour of upholding the sanctions, meaning it will be Russia that travels to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

However, World Rugby also confirmed that they would undertake a review of the qualification and eligibility process to avoid a repeat of this confusion in the future.

"It is important that the game learns from what were an unfortunate set of circumstances to prevent this from happening again," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement.

"With the full support of our unions and regional associations, World Rugby will undertake a full review of Regulation 8 process and compliance to enhance best practice, identify how we can further assist our unions, ensure our young players are appropriately educated on the regulation, and have complete oversight and approval of match official appointments for future Rugby World Cup qualifiers."

Online Editors