The military offensive decided by Russian President Vladimir Putin deeply shocked the world and particularly the world of sport. Since then, many athletes and federations have announced their desire to boycott events organized in Russia. World Rugby has even suspended the Russian selection from all international competitions.
Vladimir Putin’s Russian military offensive left the world speechless at first. Then, it provoked an immense reaction of indignation, especially in the world of sport. Since then, there are countless athletes or federations who have declared to boycott the next competitions or meetings against Russian teams.
Jumbled up, we can cite the International Volleyball Federation which withdrew from Russia the organization of two stages of the next League of Nations, that of judo which suspended Vladimir Putin from his duties as honorary president and ambassador. In football, UEFA should end its collaboration with the Russian gas giant, Gazprom, and Sweden and Poland refuse to face the Russian eleven during the play-offs for the qualification for the next Football World Cup .
World Rugby « strongly condemns »
The rugby authorities are not left out. Thursday, Rugby Europe, the European Confederation, first decided to postpone the match between Georgia and Russia, initially scheduled for Saturday, considering that ” the current situation and the desire to preserve the health and safety of players and officials ».
The next day, the same instance changed tone. In a terse statement, she announced that she ” suspended its activities in Russia “. This including ” all events, tournaments and matches on Russian soil, regardless of age category or gender, as well as national teams and clubs ».
On the same day, World Rugby supported Rugby Europe: “ World Rugby strongly condemns the use of military force in Ukraine and stands in solidarity with all those affected. The safety of the rugby family in Ukraine is paramount and World Rugby continues to closely monitor the situation in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including Rugby Europe. World Rugby fully supports Rugby Europe’s decision to suspend matches and activities hosted in Russia, in line with the IOC’s position. World Rugby does not have any tournaments scheduled in Russia. »
The future of the Russian selection is therefore uncertain to say the least… Especially since on the night of Monday to Tuesday, the World Rugby body announced the suspension of the Russian and Belarusian national selections, due to the invasion in Ukraine. . These teams are now deprived of all international competitions.
