Spain removed from next year's World Cup

Spain, who were due to face Ireland in Pool B, have been removed from next year's World Cup for fielding an ineligible payer during qualifying.

The sanction of a 10-point deduction from the Rugby Europe Championship means their place is taken by Romania.

The independent committee judging the case deducted five points from each match in which South African prop Gavin van den Berg appeared, as well as a £25,000 fine.

Spain, who have the right of appeal, shared 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.

Romania will now join Andy Farrell's side, Scotland, South Africa and an Asia/Pacific qualifier with their opening match scheduled against Ireland on 9 September in Bordeaux.

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