Two remain suspended from international rugby “until further notice”, meaning they are currently unable to qualify for future Rugby World Cups.
While bans from rugby’s biggest tournament are extremely rare, several nations have been excluded over the years for reasons ranging from political sanctions to breaches of eligibility rules.
Here are all the countries to have been banned or removed from Rugby World Cup participation.
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South Africa (1987 & 1991)
The Springboks missed the first two Rugby World Cups because of international sporting sanctions against apartheid-era South Africa.
Having been isolated from international sport throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, South Africa was not invited to either the inaugural tournament in 1987 or the 1991 edition.
Following the end of apartheid, the Springboks returned to international rugby in 1992 before famously winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Spain (2019)
Spain appeared to have qualified for Japan 2019 before disaster struck.
World Rugby ruled that they had fielded ineligible player Gavin van den Berg during qualification and deducted points, dropping Spain out of the qualification places.
Romania were initially handed the spot before further investigations changed the picture once again.
Romania (2023)
Romania qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup but were later expelled from the tournament after World Rugby found they had fielded ineligible player Jason Tomane during the qualification process.
Portugal were promoted into Pool C following the decision.
Russia (2023-present)
Russia was suspended by World Rugby in February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
The suspension covers all international rugby and cross-border club competitions, preventing the Bears from competing in Rugby World Cup qualification.
World Rugby stated the suspension would remain in place “until further notice”, and it has not been lifted.
Belarus (2023-present)
Belarus was sanctioned alongside Russia in 2022.
Although they have never qualified for a Rugby World Cup, the country is barred from international rugby and therefore unable to enter qualification tournaments while the suspension remains active.
Like Russia, Belarus remains suspended until further notice.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw: England play Wales
Rugby fans from around the world have now discovered who their favourite team will be playing at Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Scroll down for the full Rugby World Cup draw.
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.