Israel will play in next month’s qualifying tournament for the 2015 Rugby World Cup after beating Latvia.

A 17-15 victory in front of 2,000 spectators at the Wingate Institute assures Israel first place after the opening round of matches in Europe’s Division 2B, following wins over Serbia and Andorra.

The newly-promoted team still has a home match against Denmark later this month and they appear well placed to climb into Division 2A at the first attempt for season 2014/15.

Israel captain Yonatan Kaplan said: "This team surprises me again and again and we’re not stopping here. Five more victories and we’re in the World Cup finals."