\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa\u00a0#3. Russia \u2014 Banned from 2023 Rugby World Cup onwards <\/p>\n
Russia\u2019s exclusion from the 2023 Rugby World Cup came not from player conduct but from geopolitics.<\/p>\n
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering widespread international condemnation. As part of a wider sporting backlash,\u00a0World Rugby suspended both Russia and Belarus from all international and cross-border rugby competitions.<\/p>\n
Despite an appeal from the Russian Rugby Federation, the suspension remained in place,\u00a0effectively ending any hope of qualification for the 2023 tournament in France.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\uded1\u00a0The ban also brought an end to speculation that Russia could one day host a Rugby World Cup \u2014 an idea that had been floated after their 2019 appearance in Japan.<\/p>\n
#4. Belarus \u2014 Banned from 2023 Rugby World Cup onwards<\/p>\n
Similarly suspended from international play and Rugby Europe membership for supporting Russia\u2019s actions<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfe\u00a0#5. Paraguay \u2014 Denied qualification for 2027 Rugby World Cup<\/p>\n
While most controversies have been political or historical, Paraguay\u2019s recent Rugby World Cup heartbreak came down to eligibility rules.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s grandest stage.<\/p>\n
\u274c\u00a0Despite 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.<\/p>\n
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