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.
The winners of each pool and the best runner-up advanced to the second round of qualifying.
Italy qualified for the Rugby World Cup as Europe 2 and were placed in Pool D, while Romania qualified as Europe 3 and were placed in Pool A. Ireland qualified for the Rugby World Cup as Europe 1 and were placed in Pool A, while Georgia qualified as Europe 4 and were placed in Pool C. The two teams that advanced from Round 4 played a two-legged tie.
However, after it was determined they used ineligible South African players, they were ejected from the competition and Spain advanced to Repechage.