Rugby evening headlines as Welsh centre finds new club in England and Spain appeal devastating World Cup expulsion

Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, 27 May.

Spain have lodged an appeal against their dramatic expulsion from next year's Rugby World Cup.

On 5 May, 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 the tournament 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.

Spain, who were due to be in Ireland's Pool, suffered a similar fate in the build-up to the last World Cup and are blaming the mistake on a forgery of Van den Berg's passport.

Wales international signs for semi-pro club at 11th hour and says team-mate was 's**t on'

Garyn Smith has signed a one-year contract with Cornish Pirates after being released by Cardiff.

The 26-year-old made over 100 appearances for the Arms Park club, playing a crucial role in their Challenge Cup victory in Bilbao in 2018.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "Garyn is someone with a great pedigree and experience behind him, but who at the same time is still young and ambitious to continue playing at a top level.

“We have big holes to fill with the departures of Callum Patterson and Nicolas De Battista, so acquiring the services of Garyn, who will also have natural influence on younger players in the squad, fits really well.”

Cardiff Rugby’s director of rugby, Dai Young, said: "He is a great professional who