The ongoing Women’s Rugby World Cup is proving to be a massive success, with record countries and viewership figures demonstrating how much interest and progress has been made in this facet of the game.
The Springbok Women have just qualified for a historic first-ever playoff game, and in two years’ time, the Springbok men will head to Australia with the aim of defending their World Cup title once again.
Yet, when taking a walk down memory lane, there have been several occasions in the past when there has been heartbreak at World Cup tournaments as countries have found themselves banned from competition.
In no particular order, here we look back at four previous occasions where this has been the case.
HISTORY OF THE RUGBY WORLD CUP BANS
Spain – 2019 & 2023 Rugby World Cups
Back in 2019, Spain was one of the countries sanctioned for fielding ineligible players during the qualification campaign, and four years’ later they would suffer further heartbreak.
After qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, it came to light that Spain had allegedly used a player with a forged passport during qualifying, and after being docked 10 points they were ultimately replaced by Romania.
South Africa – 1987 & 1991 Rugby World Cups
Of course when it comes to the Springboks, World Rugby rightfully banned South Africa from competition as a result of the apartheid regime that saw the country face widespread sporting isolation.
After missing out on the 1987 & 1991 Rugby World Cups, the dawn of democracy saw the Springboks return to the global showpiece in 1995, famously claiming the title on their home turf.
Russia – 2023 Rugby World Cup
After finding an unexpected path to the 2019 RWC, Russia were booted from the next global event due to geopolitics.
As part of the backlash as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia was banned from all international and cross-border rugby competitions.
Belarus — Banned from 2023 Rugby World Cup onwards
In a similar scenario, as a result of supporting Russia’s actions of war, Belarus has been banned as part of a wider sporting backlash.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE CASES?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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