It is sad in the extreme to hear of Spain’s dissatisfaction with a recent decision to postpone their World Cup qualifier with Ireland.
José Antonio Barrio, head coach of Las Leonas, roundly blames the IRFU and World Rugby for underhand dealings. Ireland asked for a delay to the match. Spain considers the reasons they offered unacceptable and untrue.
This is just the sort of unhappy outcome you might expect from a global event being held in the middle of a pandemic.
Countries have been affected by it to differing degrees over differing time-spans. The qualifiers for the RWC have been especially badly hit; fixtures have been put on hold for over a year. But Spain managed to stage two important tests last month, which ensured their right to compete with Ireland, Scotland and Italy for a final place in the European division– the runner-up to submit to a further qualifying game.
Ireland were due to play Spain this month but asked WR for a delay. Barrio can’t begin to accept the reasons put forward; he accuses Ireland of avoiding this confrontation for months, knowing that they might well lose to Las Leonas who are in great form after two convincing wins. WR is accused of complicity in accepting Ireland’s pleas.
The FER has a history of grievance against the world body. They claim they were stymied at the last men’s RWC by a Romanian referee, when Romania were their main rivals for qualification.
And behind it all is the unpalatable fact of Spain’s ejection from the Six Nations in 2007 – it still rankles. If 6N Ltd can put that injustice right, that will be one huge step forward.
Ireland meantime have the chance to get some real mileage in their boots with the upcoming 6N.
Of those four European nations, only two can go through. That is a harsh fact. Spain’s case is that Ireland weren’t prepared to face them now. That was no reason for a delay.
We must hope that sweetness and light can prevail over the next eighteen months.
