Romania are to appeal a World Rugby ruling that saw them disqualified from next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Russia were awarded a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan after the rugby union international governing body sensationally disqualified Romania, Spain and Belgium on Tuesday.

Russia had finished third in European qualifying for the Rugby World Cup but head to the tournament after Romania, who originally won the section, second-placed Spain and fourth-placed Belgium were all docked points for fielding ineligible players.

In Romania’s case, World Rugby said Sione Faka’osilea was ineligible having previously played for the Tonga sevens team.

The Romanian Rugby Federation insisted Wednesday that Faka’osilea was indeed eligible, having had confirmation from Tonga rugby federation president Fe’ao Vunipola, father of England internationals Billy and Mako, to that note.