Spain edge out Portugal 33-28 to secure berth in Rugby World Cup 2023

Spain have qualified for the first time to Rugby World Cup in 24 years after edging out Portugal 33-28 in Madrid on Sunday.

The last time Spain made it to the global event was in 1999 where they last all three Pool games.

With Russia already banned from the qualification, Georgia have already booked a berth in the 2023 World Cup to be held in France having topped the table with 39 points in the European qualifiers while Spain's win over Portugal meant they have sealed the second place with 29 points.

The result also meant Spain now are grouped in Pool B along with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and a team from Asia / Pacific1.

"It's been a long journey and a very tough qualification process," said Spain head coach Santiago Santos.

"We lost our first three games and after that, we have won six in a row. The performance of the team was amazing and we are very excited to be going to the Rugby World Cup."

Spain will play Georgia in their final match of the campaign on 20th March.

Portugal are now at third in the table with 25 points while Romania, who have a game against Nertherlands are at fourth with 23 points. The team finishing third will go into the final qualification tournament in November.