2003 Rugby World Cup – European qualification


There were a number of positions open to European nations to qualify for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Ireland, Romania, Georgia and Italy, joining a number of other nations that automatically qualified.

Round 1 – 2000–2001

Three Pool Winners and top Runner-Up advanced to Round 2.

Pool A

Winner and Runner-Up advanced to Round 2.
;Final Standings

Pool B

Winner advanced to Round 2.
;Final Standings

Pool C

Winner advanced to Round 2.
;Final Standings

Round 2 – 2001–2002

Pool Winners advanced to Round 3.

Pool A

Winner advanced to Round 3.
;Final Standings

Pool B

Winner advanced to Round 3.
;Final Standings

Round 3 – May–June, 2002

Pool Winners advanced to Round 4.

Pool A

Winner advanced to Round 4.
;Final Standings

Pool B

Winner advanced to Round 4.
;Final Standings

Round 4 – September–October, 2002

Pool Winners and Runners-Up qualified to 2003 Rugby World Cup. 3rd-Place advanced to Round 5.

Pool A

Italy qualified as Europe 2 to Pool D, Romania as Europe 3 to Pool A. Spain advanced to Round 5.
;Final Standings

Pool B

Ireland qualified as Europe 1 to Pool D, Georgia as Europe 4 to Pool C. Russia advanced to Round 5.
;Final Standings

Round 5 – October–November, 2002

Spain advanced to Repechage as Europe 5 to play Africa 2.
Match Schedule
Russia won 58–41 on aggregate. However, after it was determined they used ineligible South African players, they were ejected from the competition and Spain advanced to Repechage.