Russia handed World Cup place as Romania penalised for ineligible player

• Russians will contest opening game against hosts Japan in 2019• Romanians punished for fielding Sione Faka’osilea in six qualifiersRussia will appear at the World Cup next year after Romania, Spain and Belgium were all sanctioned for fielding ineligible players in the Rugby Europe Championship, which acts as the qualification tournament. Related: Joy of Six Nations overshadows Spain’s pain and fears for the game | Robert Kitson Continue reading...