'The feeling was like an explosion': The cost of Spain's World Cup ejection
There was jubilation in the Spanish camp when the national side qualified for the 2023 World Cup earlier this year and immeasurable despair when the team learned they had effectively been disqualified from the showpiece tournament due to fielding an ineligible player during two of their Rugby Europe Championship matches.
Prop Gavin van der Berg was drafted into the Spanish squad for two matches against the Netherlands under the assumption that the South African-born front-rower was qualified to play for Los Leones. That assumption was based on the fact that his club side, Lexus Alcobendas Rugby, had forged documents to suggest that Van der Berg had completed three years of consecutive residency in Spain when, in reality, he had spent ample time outside of Spain throughout the period.
After an investigation into the matter, World Rugby docked Spain the 10 competition points they had earned against the Netherlands which saw Los Leones drop from second place on the ladder to fourth, costing them both an automatic ticket to the World Cup and also a shot at playing in the repechage competition to decide the tournament’s final qualifier.
Making matters worse, it was the second time in a row that Spain had initially qualified for a World Cup only for eligibility issues to see them dropped from the competition.
What separates this year’s disqualification from the prior’s, however, is that when Spain were booted out of the 2019 iteration, the fault was firmly on the union – who had knowingly fielded ineligible players. This year, the union’s only fault was not carrying out extra due diligence – but there was no deception at play on their behalf, just ignorance. The primary fault lies elsewhere.
But if the spectacle that was Spain’s recent match with the Classic All Blacks in Madrid is anything to go by, World Rugby will be missing a massive trick by not reconsidering Spain’s omission from the 2023 World Cup.
Over 40,000 spectators turned out at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night to witness an epic clash between the Spanish national side and some of the top New Zealand players of yesteryear. The game itself was a thriller, with the touring Classic All Blacks triumphing 33-26 following a great comeback from Los Leons, but it was the passion and excitement from the fans that should have had the administrators of the game taking note.
Despite only filling two-thirds of the Wanda Metropolitano, the fans in attendance produced noise on par with what you would hear at huge tests at Twickenham, the Principality Stadium or Stade de France.
Rugby is growing quickly on the Iberian peninsula and Spain have proven on the field that there are few better sides in mainland Europe – beyond first-tier nations such as France and Italy. If World Rugby are looking to expand and grow the game then they could do little better than taking a World Cup to Spain, given the already evident passion for the sport in the nation coupled with its proximity to the likes of France and the United Kingdom.
Instead, however, Spain aren’t likely to even feature at the competition next year.
While it’s right to send a clear message to administrators that things need to change in the Spanish Rugby Federation (and, by all accounts, those changes are already taking place), Los Leones are being dished out a harsh punishment – for the second competition in a row – for off-field indiscretions.
“I remember I started to cry,” Spanish centre Alvar Gimeno told RugbyPass of his elation following Los Leones securing second spot in the European qualification behind Georgia. “It was an emotion that I can’t explain, the feeling was like an explosion.
“We were really, really happy and the whole week leading up to Georgia we were having fun and enjoying being part of the group. We were in the World Cup.
“Now… it is difficult.”
“We did everything we could do to get there,” added teammate Gonzalo Vinuesa. “Someone did something terrible – something that is the opposite of what rugby [stands for] in Spain – that has led to us as a team and us as a country being left out of the World Cup. It’s very, very difficult.”
Van der Berg accrued just 50 minutes of rugby for Spain in their wins against the Netherlands over the past two years (the only time he spent in camp with the side), coming off the bench in 2021’s 52-7 thrashing and this year’s 43-0 thumping. It’s safe to say that even without Van der Berg’s contribution, Los Leones would have managed comfortable wins in both games.
“He was with the team for two weeks – just the two weeks he played,” said Vinuesa. “He wasn’t really a part of the team. He plays in the Spanish competition so we knew him from that, but that’s all.
“It makes no sense but it is what it is.”
For 24-year-old Gimeno and 21-year-old Vinuesa, there will likely come an opportunity in future to represent their nation at a Rugby World Cup (although Gimeno now has his sights set on a stint in New Zealand to recharge the batteries) – but for some of the stalwarts in the side, 2023 represents the last possible chance to play in the game’s showpiece tournament.
“There are a lot of people who thought they would retire in 2023 after the World Cup but now I don’t know how the team will be in one year,” Vinuesa said.
While Spain are challenging World Rugby’s decision, with the ultimate goal of being readmitted to the 2023 tournament – and are willing to step through as many hoops as necessary to get Los Leones to the World Cup – chances are slim that the game’s governing body will back down on their decision, especially given what happened ahead of the 2019 event.
Even if there is only a slim chance of reversing World Rugby’s decision, however, Spain will take those chances and fight to the bitter end.
“We’re trying to do everything we can,” said Vinuesa.
“I’m not hopeful,” added Gimeno. “Maybe there’s a small chance so we’re going to fight it… But I think we’re out.”
All signs might point to Los Leones not taking part in the 2023 World Cup – but it’s not just Spain who will suffer. The global audience has been robbed of the opportunity to see one of the most exciting developing nations take part in a World Cup for the first time since 1999 and witness the continued growth of the game in wider Europe.
Comments on RugbyPass
I wouldn’t spend the time on Nawaqanitawase! No point in having him filling in a jersey when he’s committed to leave Union. Give the jersey to a young prospect who will be here in the future.
4 Go to commentsIt was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
4 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to comments