Six nations have been kicked out of the Rugby World Cup

Samoa could become the latest rugby nation to be kicked out of a Rugby World Cup, with the Pacific Islanders facing the extraordinary prospect of a four-year suspension from international rugby.

Reports claim a major dispute between the Samoan government and the country’s rugby authorities could lead to international sanctions, potentially costing Manu Samoa their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

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Samoa are currently due to face France, Japan and the USA in their pool, but a four-year suspension would wipe out their participation altogether.

It would be a huge blow for one of rugby’s most famous nations – but Samoa would not be the first country to find themselves shut out of the game’s biggest tournament.

Here are some of the most notable examples.

SOUTH AFRICA – 1987 & 1991

Remarkably, the most successful nation in Rugby World Cup history missed the first two tournaments.

South Africa were unable to compete at the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup because of their international sporting isolation under apartheid. They were also absent in 1991.

The Springboks finally made their World Cup debut when South Africa hosted the tournament in 1995 – famously going on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

ROMANIA – 2019

Romania thought they had secured their place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Then came a major eligibility scandal.

World Rugby’s investigation found that Romania, Spain and Belgium had all fielded ineligible players during the European qualification process.

Romania were deducted points for each breach, costing them their World Cup place and allowing Russia to qualify instead.

SPAIN – 2023

Four years later, Spain suffered an almost identical fate.

Los Leones had celebrated qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup after beating Portugal, only for an investigation to find they had fielded an ineligible player in two qualifying matches.

Spain were hit with a 10-point deduction and £25,000 fine, dropping them out of the automatic qualification places.

Romania replaced them as Europe 2, while Portugal eventually qualified through the repechage.

PARAGUAY – 2027

Paraguay produced one of the great qualifying shocks when they defeated Brazil home and away to reach the Final Qualification Tournament for the 2027 World Cup.

But their celebrations didn’t last.

Paraguay subsequently discovered they had fielded an ineligible player in both matches and voluntarily withdrew from the competition.

World Rugby accepted their explanation that an administrative oversight had caused the breach, with Brazil reinstated in their place.

RUSSIA – 2023

Russia appeared at the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2019, but their hopes of returning in 2023 disappeared following their suspension from international rugby.

World Rugby suspended Russia from international and cross-border rugby following the invasion of Ukraine, removing them from the qualification process.

BELARUS – 2023

Belarus were also suspended from international and cross-border rugby activity alongside Russia.

Unlike Russia, Belarus have never competed at a men’s Rugby World Cup, but the suspension prevented them from participating in the international pathway towards the tournament.

COULD SAMOA BE NEXT?

That is now the fear.

Samoa have been one of the Rugby World Cup’s great entertainers since famously announcing themselves by beating Wales in Cardiff at the 1991 tournament.

But reports suggest their participation in Australia is now under threat unless the ongoing governance dispute can be resolved.

A four-year suspension would not simply remove Samoa from the 2027 World Cup – it would represent one of the most significant international sanctions imposed on a major rugby nation in the professional era.

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

Pool A

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

Pool B

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Pool C

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

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