A former Rugby World Cup host bidder remains banned from international rugby until further notice, with Samoa potentially at risk of becoming the latest nation to face major sanctions.
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From Russia and South Africa to Spain and Sri Lanka, several countries have previously been suspended or thrown out of major international competition.
Here are some of the biggest cases.
1. RUSSIA – SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Russia remain the most high-profile nation currently suspended from international rugby.
World Rugby imposed sanctions on both Russia and Belarus in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, suspending the countries from all international rugby and cross-border club competition until further notice.
The Rugby Union of Russia was also suspended from World Rugby membership.
The punishment brought Russia’s involvement in qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup to an end and the country has remained outside international competition.
It represented a dramatic fall for a nation that competed at both the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups and had previously expressed an ambition to host the tournament.
2. BELARUS – SUSPENDED ALONGSIDE RUSSIA
Belarus were hit by the same World Rugby sanctions announced in February 2022.
World Rugby suspended Russia and Belarus from all international rugby and cross-border club rugby activities until further notice following Belarus’ role in facilitating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Unlike Russia, Belarus had never appeared at a Rugby World Cup and were a considerably smaller force in the international game.
Nevertheless, they remain one of the clearest modern examples of an entire country being prevented from competing internationally.
3. SOUTH AFRICA – SHUT OUT DURING APARTHEID
The most famous example of a major rugby nation being shut out of the international game involves South Africa.
The Springboks became increasingly isolated from international sport because of the country’s apartheid regime, with many nations refusing to play them.
South Africa were unable to participate in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup because of their international sporting isolation and were also absent when the tournament returned in 1991.
They returned to international rugby in 1992 as apartheid was being dismantled.
Just three years later, South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, with Nelson Mandela famously presenting captain Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup after the Springboks defeated New Zealand in the final.
