How Spain missed out on an automatic qualification for RWC 2019
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Spain missed out on automatic qualification to the Rugby World Cup after losing to Belguim in a match that they were strong favourites to win.
The loss means that Romania qualifies in their place and join Ireland, Japan, Scotland and the Playoff winner in Pool A of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The match was full of controversy with Romanian referee Vlad Iordachescu taking control of the match that ultimately led to his nation going to the Rugby World Cup.
The Spanish players were unhappy with some of the referee's calls during the match, so much so that they attacked him after the final whistle of the match. Iordachescu was eventually safely escorted off the pitch.
Jaime Nava, capitán del #XVdelLeon: "Soy capitán y pido perdón por la persecución al árbitro. Esa imagen final no se corresponde ni con el deporte ni con los valores de este equipo. Hay que entender que se nos ha quitado parte de este sueño". #VamosLeones #RoadtoJapan pic.twitter.com/BbLO9OPLBM
— España Rugby (@ferugby) March 18, 2018