Rugby World Cup: Spain qualify for first time since 1999

[Tooting Carmen]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60729786



Spain will make their first appearance at the men's Rugby World Cup in 24 years after qualifying for the 2023 tournament in France.

A 33-28 win against Portugal was enough for Spain to advance as the second European qualifiers, after Georgia's spot was confirmed on Thursday.

Russia's ban from qualification ensured Georgia would compete in France.

Spain will face Scotland, Ireland and South Africa in Pool B as well as an unconfirmed Asia-Pacific qualifier.

The side's only other men's World Cup appearance came in 1999, when they lost all three of their pool games.

"It's been a long journey and a very tough qualification process," said Spain head coach Santiago Santos.

"We lost our first three games and after that, we have won six in a row. The performance of the team was amazing and we are very excited to be going to the Rugby World Cup."

[Grace O'Malley]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60729786



Spain will make their first appearance at the men's Rugby World Cup in 24 years after qualifying for the 2023 tournament in France.

A 33-28 win against Portugal was enough for Spain to advance as the second European qualifiers, after Georgia's spot was confirmed on Thursday.

Russia's ban from qualification ensured Georgia would compete in France.

Spain will face Scotland, Ireland and South Africa in Pool B as well as an unconfirmed Asia-Pacific qualifier.

The side's only other men's World Cup appearance came in 1999, when they lost all three of their pool games.

"It's been a long journey and a very tough qualification process," said Spain head coach Santiago Santos.

"We lost our first three games and after that, we have won six in a row. The performance of the team was amazing and we are very excited to be going to the Rugby World Cup."

That's great for Spain. Glad they are in the same pool with Ireland also.

[Cristiano viejo]

Nobody cares, man.

[Tooting Carmen]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/61258214

Spain stripped of Rugby World Cup place for second time after using ineligible player



Spain have been stripped of their 2023 Rugby World Cup place after World Rugby deemed they used an ineligible player during qualification.

The side confirmed a World Cup spot for the first time in 24 years in March but will now be replaced in Pool B by Romania.

It is the second successive World Cup at which Spain have lost their place, for the same offence.

They still have 14 days in which to appeal the decision.

A 10-point penalty applied to Spain in the European qualification tournament means Portugal are now also in a position to reach the World Cup.

While Romania advance automatically in place of Spain, Portugal can now secure their place through a final qualification tournament in November.

Romania last played at the World Cup in 2015, while Portugal's only appearance at the tournament came in 2007.

Spain were given a £25,000 fine and will now also have to pay a £50,000 suspended fine from a previous eligibility breach made in qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.

The other sides in Pool B are Scotland, Ireland and South Africa, as well as an unconfirmed Asia-Pacific qualifier.

[Tooting Carmen]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...agged-24101291