🇷🇺 #3. Russia — Banned from 2023 Rugby World Cup onwards
Russia’s exclusion from the 2023 Rugby World Cup came not from player conduct but from geopolitics.
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering widespread international condemnation. As part of a wider sporting backlash, World Rugby suspended both Russia and Belarus from all international and cross-border rugby competitions.
Despite an appeal from the Russian Rugby Federation, the suspension remained in place, effectively ending any hope of qualification for the 2023 tournament in France.
🛑 The ban also brought an end to speculation that Russia could one day host a Rugby World Cup — an idea that had been floated after their 2019 appearance in Japan.
#4. Belarus — Banned from 2023 Rugby World Cup onwards
Similarly suspended from international play and Rugby Europe membership for supporting Russia’s actions
🇵🇾 #5. Paraguay — Denied qualification for 2027 Rugby World Cup
While most controversies have been political or historical, Paraguay’s recent Rugby World Cup heartbreak came down to eligibility rules.
During the qualification campaign for the 2027 World Cup, Paraguay fielded a player who was later deemed ineligible under World Rugby regulations. As a result, the nation was stripped of crucial points, ending their hopes of making their debut on rugby’s grandest stage.
❌ Despite appeals, World Rugby upheld the decision, marking a bitter milestone for Paraguay, who were set to make their first World Cup appearance. The setback underscores how strictly player eligibility is enforced and how even small administrative oversights can derail dreams.
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