Ireland to face Russia at 2019 World Cup

Ireland will face Russia at the 2019 Rugby World Cup after Spain, Belgium, and Romania were penalised for fielding ineligible players.

An independent committee sanctioned the offending nations, docking points to force a revision of the 2018 Rugby European Championship table, which also determines entry into the global showpiece in Japan.

It sees Russia replace Romania in second place, resulting in their elevation into Japan 2019 behind Georgia who had already made it through on the strength of their performance at the last World Cup.