A rugby nation banned from the World Cup has suffered another setback after World Rugby refused to reconsider its suspension from international competition.
The decision comes as preparations continue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with the country still locked out.
It follows years of attempts to secure a return, including discussions with rugby's governing bodies.
World Cup exclusions are nothing new.
From political sanctions to eligibility scandals, several nations have seen their tournament dreams disappear without a ball being kicked.
Some eventually returned stronger. Others are still waiting for the door to reopen.
Here are five nations that have been banned, excluded or prevented from qualifying for Rugby World Cups.
1. South Africa (1987 and 1991)
It's almost impossible to imagine a Rugby World Cup without the Springboks.
After all, South Africa have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup four times. More than anybody else.
But the rugby giants missed the first two tournaments in 1987 and 1991 because of their international sporting isolation during apartheid.
The Springboks finally returned to international rugby in 1992.
Three years later, they completed one of sport's great comeback stories.
South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup and defeated New Zealand 15-12 after extra time in the final.
Nelson Mandela famously presented the trophy to captain François Pienaar.
From missing the first two World Cups to winning the trophy at the first time of asking.
Not a bad way to make an entrance.
2. Spain (2019 and 2023)
Spain have suffered enough World Cup heartbreak to last several lifetimes.
Their 2019 qualification hopes collapsed following an investigation into player eligibility.
World Rugby found that Spain, Romania and Belgium had fielded ineligible players during the European qualification campaign.
Spain were deducted 40 points, ending their hopes of reaching Japan.
Four years later, history repeated itself.
Spain had secured qualification for the 2023 tournament before being handed another points deduction.
This time, South African-born prop Gavin van den Berg was found to have been ineligible for two qualifying matches.
Spain lost 10 points and their place at the tournament.
Their subsequent appeal was dismissed, allowing Romania to take their spot.
Two World Cup campaigns. Two eligibility scandals. Two painful endings.
World Rugby confirmed the unsuccessful appeal in June 2022.
3. Romania (2019)
Romania were another casualty of the extraordinary 2019 qualification scandal.
The Oaks had initially booked their place at the tournament in Japan.
However, an investigation found they had fielded an ineligible player during six qualifying matches.
Romania were deducted 30 points, sending them tumbling down the standings.
Russia inherited their automatic qualification place.
The decision was particularly painful for a country that had appeared at every previous Rugby World Cup.
Romania returned to the tournament in 2023, although they lost all four pool matches.
The original World Rugby investigation also resulted in sanctions against Spain and Belgium.
But while eligibility mistakes cost Spain and Romania their places, the next country faces a very different problem.
4. Russia (2023–present)
Russia's absence from the Rugby World Cup is a very different story.
World Rugby suspended Russia in February 2022 following the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The decision prevented Russian national teams and clubs from participating in international and cross-border competitions.
The Rugby Union of Russia was also suspended from World Rugby membership.
It ended Russia's involvement in qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has kept the country outside the 2027 qualification process.
Russia previously appeared at the 2011 and 2019 tournaments, losing all eight of their matches.
But the country's rugby authorities have not given up hope of returning.
Russia's bid to lift World Rugby suspension rejected
Russia's hopes of returning to international rugby have suffered another setback.
On Tuesday, 10 November 2026, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine announced that World Rugby had decided against reconsidering Russia's suspension.
The governing body reviewed the situation following a July decision by the International Olympic Committee concerning Russian athletes.
However, World Rugby found no significant change in circumstances that would justify lifting the restrictions.
Rugby Europe president Janhein Pieterse also reaffirmed that the suspension imposed in 2022 remains in force.
The latest decision follows Russia's attempts to negotiate a return.
As RUCK previously reported, Russian Rugby Federation vice-president Kirill Yashenkov confirmed that discussions with World Rugby were continuing.
"We are in contact with them, in an active negotiating position, in correspondence," he said.
However, Yashenkov admitted that an immediate return appeared unlikely.
"Unfortunately, at present World Rugby is not making such a decision," he added.
"I honestly do not expect it in the near future."
His prediction appears to have been accurate.
More than four years after their suspension, Russia remain outside international rugby.
And with qualification for the 2027 World Cup already beyond their reach, the Bears will again be watching from home.
Read also
5. Belarus (2023–present)
Belarus were suspended alongside Russia in February 2022.
World Rugby imposed the sanctions following Belarus' role in facilitating Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The country was excluded from international rugby and cross-border club competitions.
Rugby Europe also suspended the Belarusian federation from its competitions and activities.
Unlike Russia, Belarus have never appeared at a Rugby World Cup.
The suspension has prevented the country from participating in qualification for the 2027 tournament.
There is currently no confirmed date for Belarus to return to international competition.
Russia have played at two Rugby World Cups. Belarus have never made it to one.
For now, both remain on the sidelines.
And with their routes to qualification closed, neither will feature at Australia 2027.
Think you know your rugby?
Play one of our RUCK rugby quizzes and put your knowledge to the test.
⏱️ Beat the clock, rack up the points and see where you rank on the leaderboard!
Can you claim the top spot?
