5. Russia (8 Matches)
A latecomer to the Rugby World Cup, Russia made their debut at the competition in 2011 and returned to the tournament in 2019. On both occasions, Russia failed to record a single Rugby World Cup victory, which makes them the second ‘biggest loser’ in the competition’s history.
In 2011, Russia’s first ever Rugby World Cup fixture came against their age old enemies the USA. This rugby match had the unavoidable undertones of decades of historical tension, yet the on-field performances presented a competitive a well-contested match-up. The USA would record a narrow 13-6 victory, in what was Russia’s most winnable match of the 2011 competition.
Nicknamed ‘Medvedi’ which translates to ‘Bears’, Russia could not claw their way out of the Pool stages as the standard of opposition continued to steadily improve. They first took a 53-17 defeat to Italy, with legendary back-rower Sergio Parrise leading from the front with a try after just six minutes. Ireland then dismantled Russia, running in nine tries for an eventual 62-12 triumph before Australia put Russia to the sword, and ran roughshod with a 68-22 win.
Russia failed to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, yet made their return in the opening match of the 2019 competition. The Bears took on the hosts Japan, in what was an exhibition match to present the strengths of the Brave Blossoms. The 30-10 bonus point win did just that for Japan, who went on to top Pool A after a miraculous win over Ireland.
Less could be said about the Russians, who went on to take heavy defeats against Samoa (34-9) and Ireland (35-0), before Scotland once again emerged to send a winless side tumbling out of the Rugby World Cup. In a move of solidarity with Ukraine, in February 2022 World Rugby sanctioned a full and immediate banning of Russia and their ally Belarus from all international rugby competition, halting any hope of participating at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.