Cook Islands replace Tahiti in RWC qualifying after Tahiti fielded ineligible players

Cook Islands replace Tahiti in RWC qualifying after Tahiti fielded ineligible players

World Rugby has concluded an investigation on Tahiti Rugby Union after they fielded ineligible players in their Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifier against the Cook Islands.

Tahiti won the match 13-9 in Rarotonga on 4 August 2017.


Independent Judicial Officer Tim Gresson (New Zealand) heard the case and, having considered all the facts, including submissions from the Tahiti Rugby Union, he determined that the Tahiti Rugby Union had breached Regulation 8 by fielding two ineligible players for the match. 

The case, which was heard by independent judicial officer Tim Gresson of New Zealand, centred around Tahiti players Guillaume Brouqui and Andoni Jimenez.

 
In his determination, the Judicial Officer decided, in light of the clear World Rugby Regulation 8 breach, that the result be overturned and directed that Cook Islands be confirmed as the winner of the match. 

The two players first represented Tahiti on 6 July 2013 in an Oceania Cup match, but the evidence presented to World Rugby showed that Jimenez had only been residing in the country for 24 months at that point.


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