Spain & Romania's appeals both rejected by World Rugby

Following appeals lodged by Romania and Spain, an Independent Appeal Committee has upheld the decision of the Independent Disputes Committee relating to breaches of player eligibility during the European regional Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification process.

On 15 May, an Independent Disputes Committee found that Belgium, Romania and Spain had breached World Rugby Regulation 8 by fielding players who were either ineligible to represent them or previously captured by another union. The Independent Disputes Committee issued competition points penalties as well as suspended fines. Romania and Spain subsequently lodged appeals. 

An Independent Appeal Committee was convened to examine the following grounds for appeal submitted by the unions:

- Romania’s appeal of the points sanction handed down by the Independent Disputes Committee, which it argued was manifestly excessive

- Spain’s appeal of the decision of the Independent Disputes Committee, which (i) decided that the match between Belgium versus Spain should not be replayed; and (ii) found that two ineligible players were fielded during the European regional Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification process and (iii) Spain also argued that the sanction was excessive

In accordance with the scope of the appeals process, Romania and Spain needed to prove a) the decision of the Independent Disputes Committee was in error; b) in the interests of justice that the decision should be overturned and/or c) that the sanction imposed was manifestly excessive or wrong in principle. Full statement