Spain to appeal independent judicial committee decision

Spain have lodged an appeal against the independent Judicial Committee’s decision in respect of a breach of the World Rugby eligibility regulation in the context of Europe region Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifiers.

Formal submissions by the Union have been received following a short extension of the appeal deadline.

On 5 May, an independent Judicial Committee determined that Spain breached the World Rugby Eligibility regulation by fielding Gavin van den Berg in two Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification matches. The sanction imposed by the committee included a fine and points deduction resulting in Spain no longer qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. The Union has appealed the committee’s decision and sanction.

An independent Appeal Committee comprising Wang Shao Ing (Chair), Adam Casselden SC and John Langford will consider the appeal with the hearing date to be confirmed in due course.

Read the full written decision here >>