The Russians had seen their hopes of back-to-back finals come to an end in the first round of this year's event, suffering a 3-1 first round defeat to The Netherlands.

As a consequence they must now win their playoff tie, due to take place from April 16 to 17, to return to the World Group for the 2017 Fed Cup.

Russia still occupy second position in the overall world rankings and have benefited from being seeded for the draw.

They will begin as the clear favourites against Belarus, who beat Canada in their World Group II tie last weekend to reach this stage.

Aliaksandra Sasnovich had been the star player for Belarus, as she had earned victories in both her singles matches and then won the doubles, alongside Olga Govortsova, to seal a 3-2 victory.

One of the most interesting play-off matches could be Australia’s tie against the United States.

Both teams won their World Group II matches against Slovakia and Poland respectively.

The Australians were made to battle for a 3-2 win in their tie.

As they are ranked one place higher than Romania in the rankings in eighth, however, they were seeded in the draw.

Romania will now take on Germany, both teams having fallen to defeats in the World Group first round.

Spain, who recorded an impressive 4-0 win over Serbia in World Group II, will meet seeded Italy.

In the playoffs to decide which countries will make up Group II in 2017, Serbia will host Belgium and Canada will travel to Slovakia.

Poland have been handed a home tie against Chinese Taipei.

Te draw is completed by Ukraine’s home tie against Argentina.