Following the initial decisions communicated last week, the Rugby Europe Board of Directors have gathered today (1 March) to decide on the additional sanctions following the ongoing Russian military invasion of Ukraine and the related support of Belarus.
The following decisions have been unanimously approved by the Board Members:
Implement World Rugby’s decisions at Rugby Europe level with immediate effect:
- Suspension of the Rugby Union of Russia from membership of Rugby Europe and from participating in all continental rugby competitions at all age grades.
- Suspension of the Rugby Union of Belarus from membership of Rugby Europe and from participating in all continental rugby competitions at all age grades.
- Suspension of the Rugby Unions of both Russia and Belarus from participating in any cross-border competitions (non-international matches).
Suspend with immediate effect representatives from Russia and Belarus Rugby Unions of any representation of Rugby Europe and of their official positions until further notice.
This includes Board members, members of the committees and sub-committees, match officials, educators, and any other official position.
Suspend with immediate effect Russia and Belarus Rugby Unions from all Rugby Europe activities until further notice.
Authorise the Rugby Europe executive team to investigate the relocation of events that were supposed to be held in Russia.
This includes:
- 2022 Snow Rugby Championship
- 2022 Beach Rugby Championship
- A leg of the 2022 7s Men and Women Championship
- U18 Championship (XV)
- Club’s Sevens Championship
Specific decisions around the implications for the various competitions that will be impacted as a result of this will be communicated in due course, in consultation with World Rugby.
Rugby Europe would like to reiterate that it fully condemns the ongoing Russian military invasion of Ukraine and stands united with the sporting world in calling for the restoration of peace.
Rugby Europe reiterates its unequivocal support to the rugby community and the people of Ukraine.
