Romania will be Ireland's opening opponents in the World Cup finals in Australia a year from now after they qualified by dint of a 67-6 thrashing of Spain in Iasi on Saturday.

Romania have secured the Europe 4 position as runners-up to Italy in their qualifying group and will compete in Pool A along with defending champions and hosts Australia, Ireland, Argentina and either Namibia or Tunisia.

Ireland will thus kick-off their pool schedule against Romania at the NorthPower Stadium in Gosford on Saturday, October 11th. The following week, on Sunday, October 19th, Ireland will meet Namibia or Tunisia at Aussie Stadium, Sydney.

On Sunday, October 26th, comes the potentially crucial renewing of World Cup rivalry against Argentina at the Adelaide Oval before the concluding pool game against Australia on Saturday November 1st at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne.