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unusual facts about 2003 Rugby World Cup - European qualification


Hungary national rugby union team

In the 2003 qualifiers, they won against Andorra and Bulgaria, but lost to Bosnia, Yugoslavia (as Serbia was then still known), and Switzerland.


2003 Rugby World Cup – Repechage qualification

However, Russia was ejected from the competition for using ineligible South African players and was replaced by Spain.

The USA and Tonga would eventually qualify through the two positions.

Portugal national rugby union team

Portugal began play in Pool 3 of Round B in the European qualifying competition for the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Switzerland national rugby union team

Switzerland finished third (out of six nations) in Pool 1 of Round 1 of the European qualification tournaments for the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales, winning and drawing one game out of four fixtures.

In attempting to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, Switzerland finished fourth in Pool D of Round 2 of the European qualification process.

In 1989 Switzerland attempted to qualify for the 1991 Rugby World Cup in England, playing in the European tournament - Round 2a.

Switzerland had more success in the qualifying tournaments for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, finishing at the top of Pool B in Round 1 and advancing to Round 2, but were unable to advance to Round 3.


see also