Spain stripped of Rugby World Cup place for second time after using ineligible player

Spain have been stripped of their Rugby World Cup place after being found to have used an ineligible player.

Spain lost their place in the World Cup for the second year in a row.

They have 14 days to appeal the decision.

A 10-point penalty applied to Spain in the European qualification tournament means Portugal are in a position to reach the World Cup.

Portugal can get into the final qualification tournament in November if they win the tournament.

Portugal last played at the World Cup in 2007, while Romania last played at the tournament in 2015.

Spain will have to pay a suspended fine from a previous eligibility violation in order to be eligible for the World Cup.

Scotland, Ireland, and South Africa are in Pool B along with an unconfirmed Asia-Pacific qualification.