Russia and Belarus have been suspended from all worldwide rugby “till additional discover” on Tuesday, the world governing body said, as it announced “full and immediate” sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia’s membership in World Rugby was additionally suspended indefinitely, which means the nation’s slim hopes of qualifying for subsequent 12 months’s World Cup in France are over.
“World Rugby reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine and the facilitation of this motion by Belarus,” said a strongly worded statement.
“The World Rugby executive committee has today decided to take immediate additional steps to protect the rugby family and take a strong stance against the conflict in line with recommendations by the International Olympic Committee:
“The full and immediate suspension of Russia and Belarus from all international rugby and cross-border club rugby activities until further notice.
“The full and immediate suspension of the Rugby Union of Russia from World Rugby membership until further notice.”
Russia had nonetheless been concerned in the ultimate European qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup however have been fifth in the standings with three video games to play with solely the highest two progressing robotically.
Their qualifying match in opposition to table-topping Georgia, as a consequence of have taken place two days in the past, had already been postponed, and can not be performed, together with Russia’s ultimate two matches in opposition to the Netherlands and Portugal later this month.
World Rugby didn’t say what would occur to the qualifying course of.
Russia certified for the World Cup in 2011 and 2019 however didn’t win a match in both event.
“The choice has been taken with the pursuits of rugby’s values of solidarity, integrity, and respect at coronary heart,” said World Rugby, who added that it pledged “full support to the rugby community” in Ukraine.
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