To the frustration of the many staff, players, and volunteers of the Luxembourg Rugby Federation, Latvia have forfeited the match against Luxembourg in the Rugby Europe Conference Pool A. Luxembourg will therefore be awarded a 28–0 bonus-point victory.
Having won their opening two fixtures against Norway (60-6) and Estonia (93-0), the Luxembourg side were showing great potential, eager to compete and extend their point difference in their pool. The points difference being so crucial as the Rugby Europe Conference consists of five separate pools, with the top two teams with the most points heading to a play-off final for promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy.
This was an aspect that head coach James Kent was quick to highlight as the team “wants to be in control” of their own destiny and situations like this do not allow it. Furthermore, he elaborated on the lack of momentum the team will now face going into the Finland match in May, as their last match was in December. “It’s a kick in the teeth, the guys were ready to go.” “This match was an important opportunity for us. It would have been our only chance to bring the full squad together ahead of our upcoming fixtures against Finland, making it crucial for team preparation and cohesion”, a disappointed Kent concluded.
The reason for the Latvian federation’s decision to declare forfeit was not specified, they will also forfeit their fixture against Estonia on 11 April.
All eyes now turn to the away fixture in Finland which will conclude the season, Luxembourg needing a high-scoring performance to secure their spot in the play-off match for the Rugby Europe Trophy.
