Spain has faced significant setbacks in its pursuit of the Rugby World Cup, specifically in 2019 and 2023. Both instances were marred by eligibility issues that ultimately led to disqualification and disappointment for the team and its supporters.
2019 Rugby World Cup Disqualification
In 2019, Spain, along with Belgium and Romania, was disqualified from the tournament for fielding ineligible players during the qualification process. This controversy allowed Russia to secure a spot in the championship held in Japan.
2023 Rugby World Cup Setback
Fast forward to 2022, Spain qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. This was a significant milestone as it would have marked Spain’s first appearance in the tournament in 24 years. However, complications arose when it was revealed that Spain allegedly used a player with a forged passport during the qualification rounds.
Consequences of the Eligibility Violation
- Spain was penalized with a deduction of 10 points.
- The team was disqualified from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
- Romania, who finished just behind Spain in the qualifying standings, took Spain’s place in the tournament.
Appeals and Outcome
Despite Spain’s efforts to appeal the disqualification, World Rugby upheld the ban. This marked the second time in recent history that Spain was removed from World Cup contention due to player eligibility issues, reflecting ongoing challenges in the team’s quest for international rugby success.
