23 Mar 2018

Sport: World Rugby probe rules against Tahiti rugby union

6:35 pm on 23 March 2018

A World Rugby investigation has found that the Tahiti Rugby Union fielded ineligible players during the Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifier against the Cook Islands in Rarotonga last year.

Independent Judicial Officer, Tim Gresson of New Zealand, heard the case and, having considered all the facts, including submissions from Tahiti Rugby Union, he determined that Tahiti had breached Regulation 8 by fielding two ineligible players for the August 4 match last year, a match which Tahiti won 13-9.

Mr Gresson 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 Cook Islands therefore progress to the next round of Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification, where they will meet the winner of the Asia Rugby Championship home and away, beginning with a match in the Cook Islands on 30 June and the return leg on 7 July.