Russia are pushing World Rugby to lift their suspension from international rugby, with talks between the two sides now confirmed.
The Rugby Union of Russia has been suspended from World Rugby since February 2022.
Russian national teams were also banned from all international rugby, while clubs were blocked from cross-border competitions.
The sanctions were imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was also suspended from international and cross-border rugby.
Prior to the ban, Russia had been in contention to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup which was later awarded to the USA.
More than four years later, Russia are now attempting to convince World Rugby to change its position.
Talks with World Rugby
Kirill Yashenkov, vice-president of the Russian Rugby Federation, has revealed that discussions are taking place.
Speaking in an interview reported by the Russian Rugby Federation, Yashenkov confirmed there is ongoing contact with World Rugby.
“We are in contact with them, in an active negotiating position, in correspondence,” he said.
However, Yashenkov admitted he currently sees little sign of World Rugby changing its stance.
“Unfortunately, at present World Rugby is not making such a decision,” he added.
“I honestly do not expect it in the near future.”
Yashenkov claimed World Rugby's current response remains focused on the ongoing conflict and continuing to monitor the situation.
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2027 Rugby World Cup Draw & Fixtures (UK times & Stadiums)
Pool A – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
A heavyweight trans-Tasman showdown headlines this pool, with New Zealand and hosts Australia expected to battle for top spot. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting statement wins as they look to upset the established order.
- Australia v Hong Kong China | 1 Oct | 11:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- New Zealand v Chile | 2 Oct | 06:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Australia v New Zealand | 9 Oct | 07:10 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
- Chile v Hong Kong China | 9 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- New Zealand v Hong Kong China | 15 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Australia v Chile | 16 Oct | 06:10 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B – South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Defending champions South Africa will start as clear favourites, but Italy’s steady rise and Georgia’s formidable forward power could make this pool tighter than expected. Romania will aim to rediscover their traditional edge on the world stage.
- South Africa v Italy | 3 Oct | 05:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Georgia v Romania | 3 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- South Africa v Georgia | 10 Oct | 07:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Italy v Romania | 11 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Italy v Georgia | 17 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- South Africa v Romania | 17 Oct | 12:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C – Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
This pool promises flair and unpredictability. Argentina and Fiji bring attacking firepower, while Spain continue their steady climb in Europe. Canada will look to re-establish themselves as a genuine World Cup force.
- Fiji v Spain | 4 Oct | 04:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Argentina v Canada | 4 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Fiji v Canada | 10 Oct | 02:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Argentina v Spain | 10 Oct | 05:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Argentina v Fiji | 16 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Spain v Canada | 16 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D – Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
A fierce Celtic clash between Ireland and Scotland could decide top spot, but neither can afford to underestimate Uruguay or Portugal. Both emerging nations have proven capable of pushing Tier One sides deep into contests.
- Scotland v Uruguay | 3 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Ireland v Portugal | 4 Oct | 07:15 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Ireland v Scotland | 10 Oct | 10:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Uruguay v Portugal | 11 Oct | 07:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Ireland v Uruguay | 17 Oct | 04:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Scotland v Portugal | 17 Oct | 07:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E – France, Japan, USA, Samoa
France headline a dynamic group that blends European flair with Pacific power. Japan’s high-tempo style and Samoa’s physical edge make this one of the most dangerous pools, while the USA will be targeting a breakthrough campaign.
- France v USA | 2 Oct | 08:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Japan v Samoa | 3 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- USA v Samoa | 9 Oct | 05:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- France v Japan | 9 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Japan v USA | 15 Oct | 10:30 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- France v Samoa | 17 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F – England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
England and Wales renew one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries in a pool packed with physicality. Tonga’s power game could prove decisive, while Zimbabwe will look to bring energy and ambition to every contest.
- Wales v Zimbabwe | 2 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- England v Tonga | 2 Oct | 11:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Wales v Tonga | 8 Oct | 08:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- England v Zimbabwe | 8 Oct | 10:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Tonga v Zimbabwe | 15 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- England v Wales | 16 Oct | 09:45 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
Think you know your rugby history? Test your knowledge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men's Rugby World Cup.
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