The European Qualifying Tournament will be held at RWC2021 at the Lanfranchi Stadium

World Rugby has announced the dates and venue of the 2021 European Rugby World Cup Qualifiers following delays imposed by the current pandemic context.

The qualification process will determine which continental team will secure a place in the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, which has been rescheduled from October 8 to November 12, 2022.

Nine national teams have already secured access to the World Championship: in addition to New Zealand, England, France, Canada, USA, Australia and Wales qualified by virtue of their places in the Rugby World Cup 2017, while South Africa and Fiji won access through the qualifying tournaments for their geographical regions.

Thus, there are still three places available, one through the European Qualifier Championship and the other for the Asian continent, while the twelfth and final place will be determined through the final qualifying tournament, the details of which will be announced later by the International Federation.

After being postponed last year, the European qualifiers will take place on 13, 19 and 25 September 2021 in Parma, at the Estadio “Sergio Lanfranchi”, the historic stadium of the Zebre Rugby Club. Scotland, Ireland and Spain, winners of the Rugby European Championships 2020, in an Italian one-way group. The first-placed team will secure a place in RWC2021 Pool B, while the second-placed team will enter the Final Playoffs for the last available spot.

Alison HughesThe 2021 Rugby World Cup Director said:We are delighted to be able to share the new planning for the 2021 Rugby World Cup European Qualifiers. The changes to the program imposed by the pandemic have been frustrating for all federations but we greatly appreciate the patience and flexibility shown by all Member States and their efforts to ensure that the qualification path is completed correctly and safely. Next year’s Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a very impressive event and we’re not looking forward to seeing the top 15 rugby players in New Zealand.“.

“There is an extraordinary message of Italian resilience in choosing our country as the venue for the European Rugby World Cup qualifiers scheduled for next year in New Zealand. Italian rugby has gone through months of pure suffering without ever lowering its head, wondering how to return to becoming the master of one’s destiny, however, with absolute priority to the health and safety of players and players, of all ages. From all categories, from every part of our movement. This work produced high-level protocols, guidelines and procedures, which World Rugby wanted to be recognized and adopted internationally by deciding on the appointment to Parma for the tournament and which would determine the last European team admitted directly to the final stage of the Cup.
As president of this federation, I cannot and do not intend to hide the pride that flows from all this, a pride that I want to share with every Italian rugby player, and which goes with a special thanks to the Emilia Romagna region, the municipality of Parma and Zebre and all the local clubs who immediately made themselves available to host and help support and make this prestigious event as beautiful as possible.
The Azzurre has long strengthened their credibility and competitiveness at the international level, earned the respect of their opponents and a great place in the world rankings, thus contributing decisively to the cultural growth of our movement and all Italian sports: the quality knowledge of the group and the ability of a coach like Andrea Di Giandomenico, who already has a special feeling With the girls, I’m sure Italy will play their chances to the end, giving everything as always, on and off the field. Our aim is to represent our colors in rugby land par excellence, just as I had the honor of doing a captain in 1987. I respected the winner, however, confident that a piece of Italy in New Zealand would take him with him, perhaps less than the chances of a volley. come on blue! FIR President Marzio . announced innocent.

• September 13, 19 and 25 in Lanfranchi di Parma, the European qualifying tournament at RWC2021
• Italy, Spain, Ireland and Scotland are vying for a place in Europe 1 in Group B in the RWC2021 Club World Cup.
• The last available seat to grab during the Final Qualifiers