The Gibraltar Rugby Football Union has won its court case against Rugby Europe in the Paris courts.

GRFU Chairman Maurice Stagnetto said this is a step in the right direction for Gibraltar’s rugby squad, and will allow them to apply to become a member of the sport's governing body, Rugby Europe.

Yesterday evening, the GRFU posted a statement on their Facebook page, which stated: “The GRFU is pleased to announce that it has successfully won its court case against Rugby Europe in the Paris courts.

“The GRFU was forced to take legal proceedings against the European Rugby body following the Rugby Europe General Assembly vote in Stockholm in 2013.

“Gibraltar won the vote but not by the required two-thirds majority needed to become members, the court ruled procedural irregularities and influence exerted on the General Assembly by a Rugby Europe board member impacted on the result of the vote.

“The French Courts have annulled the decision of the Stockholm General Assembly and therefore this opens up the GRFU to proceed with its membership vote, subject to an Appeal on the courts findings.”

Rugby Europe now has 30 days to appeal this decision, but Mr Stagnetto believes the ruling will go through unopposed. He hopes that the GRFU can apply to become a full member of Rugby Europe at the next general assembly which will be held in December.

Speaking to YGTV, Mr Stagnetto said: “This was a welcome judgment for us, and it’s definitely a step in the right direction for rugby in Gibraltar.”

Mr Stagnetto also gave special thanks to Chad Thomson, GRFU Secretary, and Michael Llamas QC, President of the GFA, for all the lobbying work they have carried out in achieving this result.

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