Russia qualify for Rugby World Cup after Romania points deduction

Russia have qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after Romania, Spain and Belgium were deducted points for using ineligible players in the qualifying competition.

The three nations were docked five points for every match where an ineligible player had paid, meaning that Russia and Belgium were docked 30 points with Spain losing 40 points.

Russia will take Romania’s place in Pool A alongside Ireland, Scotland and hosts Japan.

The deductions also mean that Germany will now compete in a play-off match against Portugal, with the winner playing Samoa for a place in the World Cup.