Six nations have been kicked out of the Rugby World Cup

The article highlights six nations that have been excluded from Rugby World Cups, using Samoa's potential four-year suspension as a starting point. Samoa face sanctions due to a dispute between their government and rugby authorities, which could cost them their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where they are scheduled to face France, Japan, and the USA. Historical examples include South Africa missing the 1987 and 1991 tournaments due to apartheid isolation, and Romania being stripped of their 2019 World Cup qualification after World Rugby found they, along with Spain and Belgium, had fielded ineligible players during European qualification.