Rugby World Cup 2019 picture takes another turn as Romania and Belgium accused of fielding ineligible players

Russia and Germany have asked for clarification on players used by Romania and Belgium, with potential disqualification from the Rugby Europe Championship on the cards

have delayed their decision on the controversy surrounding the game between Belgium and Spain that lead to Romania qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after new allegations, which also involve Germany and Russia, emerged over ineligible players.

Belgium’s 18-10 defeat of Spain on Sunday 18 March lead to outrage from both the Spanish players and rugby union after Vlad Iordachescu, a Romanian referee, was allowed to take charge of the match when it had a direct influence on his homeland’s chances of qualifying for Japan 2019.

Iordachescu has faced widespread criticism for his performance and was last week removed from this weekend’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final between Pau and Stade Francais due to safety concerns, given Pau’s close proximity to the Spanish border. A number of Spanish players also tried to confront Iordachescu immediately after the full-time whistle and chased him from the field of play in scenes that have been widely condemned.