Georgia have qualified for the 2023 World Cup in France, due to Russia's suspension from all international competitions, world rugby's governing body announced on Thursday.
Russia, like Belarus, have been suspended from all international and cross-border rugby competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As a result, World Rugby explains, "Russia's scheduled and unplayed matches are considered abandoned for as long as Russia's suspension as a member of World Rugby lasts.
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And so Georgia, the Netherlands and Portugal are awarded four points each as the declared winners of their match against Russia.
Georgia, undefeated in the qualifying tournament (8 wins, 1 draw), is now guaranteed to finish among the top two in the combined standings of the Rugby Europe Championship 2021 and 2022 with two matches still to be played against Romania (March 12) and Spain (March 20).
The Lelos are the fifteenth team to qualify for the World Cup in France.
If they finish first, they will join Pool C including Wales, Australia and Fiji.
Spain, Portugal and Romania are still well placed to secure the second European ticket for France 2023 on the pitch.
Whoever finishes second in the aggregate standings at the end of Rugby Europe Championship 2022 will also qualify and join defending champions South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Asia/Pacific 1 in the hen b.
