Wow.

Spain and Belgium will not replay their controversial Rugby Europe Championship match after an independent committee completed their review.

They ruled that there was no bias in that game and no replay should take place. But found that Belgium, Spain and Romania all fielded ineligible players, and have deducted points from all three (essentially disqualifying all of them).

This means Russia will now join Ireland, Scotland and Japan in Pool A at next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Germany will play Portugal in the Europe play-off, with the winner then facing Samoa in a play-off spot for the other Rugby World Cup pool spot.

In line with the decision, Russia will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019 as Europe 1, joining Ireland, Scotland, Japan and the play-off winner in Pool A, while Germany will progress to the European play-off with Portugal, subject to the appeals process.” A World Rugby statement read.

While the independent disputes committee has determined that mistakes were not made in bad faith by Rugby Europe and some participating unions, World Rugby is extremely disappointed with the unfortunate and avoidable events, as expressed when announcing the convening of the independent committee.

Fans who have purchased tickets for Rugby World Cup 2019 matches involving Romania via official channels will be entitled to a full refund for the face value of the ticket should they not wish to attend.

You can read their full statement here and look at the report in full here.