Samoa's Rugby World Cup qualification faces further uncertainty after Romania and Spain appealed the sanction handed-down by an independent disputes committee.
Belgium, Spain and Romania were found to have fielded ineligible players in the Rugby Europe Championship, with each team deducted five championship points for every game an ineligible player was used.
Spain's controversial defeat by Belgium in March originally meant Romania advanced to the World Cup. Photo: AFP
The ruling meant Russia qualified for the World Cup in place of Romania and Samoa would face Germany or Portugal in a home and away playoff.
While admitting to fielding an ineligible player, who was previously captured by another union, Romania confirmed it was appealing the sanction.
Spain is appealing the ruling they fielded two ineligible players during the qualification process and also the decision not to replay their match against Belgium.
Manu Samoa are yet to qualify for the World Cup. Photo: AFP
The appeal will be heard on Friday by an independent appeals committee, two weeks before Germany and Portugal are scheduled to meet in a cross-regional playoff.
The winner of that match is scheduled to face Samoa in Apia on June 30 before hosting the Manu on July 14.
RNZ Pacific understands a ruling on the appeal is expected next week.
The William Webb Ellis Cup. Photo: RWC
