Russia are continuing their push to return to international rugby, more than four years after being banned by World Rugby.
Russia were suspended in February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
The ban prevents their national team from playing international matches. Russian clubs are also barred from cross-border competitions.
As a result, Russia were unable to take part in qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Russia hold talks with World Rugby
Russia have continued talks with World Rugby as they push to return to international competition.
Kirill Yashenkov, vice-president of the Russian Rugby Federation, confirmed in September that discussions were ongoing.
As RUCK previously reported, Russian officials remain keen to end their suspension.
"We are in contact with them, in an active negotiating position, in correspondence," Yashenkov said.
However, he admitted that a return was unlikely anytime soon.
"Unfortunately, at present World Rugby is not making such a decision," he added.
"I honestly do not expect it in the near future."
Russia had also been in the running to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup. However, the tournament was eventually awarded to the United States.
Why were Russia banned?
World Rugby banned Russia and Belarus on 28 February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Both countries were barred from international rugby competitions. The Russian Rugby Union was also suspended indefinitely.
The bans remain in place more than four years later.
Russia played at the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, but have not featured at the tournament since.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Russia are pushing to return to international rugby.
However, World Rugby has given no indication that it plans to lift the ban.
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Three nations excluded from the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification process
Three nations have been excluded from the qualification process for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, although the reasons behind their absences are very different.
Russia
Russia have been suspended from international rugby since February 2022 following the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus
Belarus were also suspended from international rugby in February 2022, with World Rugby taking action following the country's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The suspension prevents Belarusian national teams and clubs from participating in international and cross-border competitions.
Belarus have therefore been unable to take part in the qualification process for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Unlike Russia, there has been little public indication of significant progress towards a return.
Paraguay
Paraguay's exclusion from the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification process came under very different circumstances.
The South American nation were disqualified after fielding an ineligible player during their qualifying campaign against Brazil.
The eligibility breach resulted in Paraguay losing their place in the qualification process, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament in Australia.
Unlike Russia and Belarus, Paraguay were not handed an indefinite suspension from international rugby. Their punishment related specifically to the qualification campaign.
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