Rugby Sevens in Russia is alive and kicking. Hot on the heels of the International Olympic Committee's decision to include the sport in the 2016 Olympic Games, Russia's popular club Sevens competition is attracting record levels of attention.
This weekend the Western Conference finals of the Russian Rugby Sevens championship took place in Kazan, the climax of a competition that has involved clubs from 10 cities.
The Western Conference finals involved eight clubs: Dinamo Moscow, the University of Krasnador, South, Air Force Academy Moscow Region, Spartak Moscow, Empires of Penza, Lipetsk and home side Dinamo Energy.
A bumper crowd were treated to a day of superb Sevens and with a number of the Russian national Sevens team members involved, the action was a high quality affair, demonstrating the phenomenal rise of Rugby in Russia. Indeed, an average of a new team a week is established as the sport reaches out to new communities.
The tournament, held annually, has grown to become a major highlight on the Russian sporting calendar, attracting dignitaries from national and regional Government.
The spectators were not to be disappointed. After an exciting period of pool play it was the South team from Krasnador and the Air Force Academy that were to contest a breathtaking final in front of the vociferous Russian Rugby family.
South, with several members of the Russian Sevens team in their ranks, powered into a 28-0 half time lead courtesy of tries from internationals Vladimir Ostrushko, Nikolei Shugay, Ivan Kotov and a superb individual effort from Yuri Gustuzhev, who brought the crowd to their feet with his footballing skills. Levi Selptsov converted all four tries for a comfortable cushion.
Wonderful spectacle
To their credit, the Air Force Academy showed great spirit and came out fighting in the second half. Sergei Garvushin pulled one try back for his side, while the conversion kept hopes alive at 28-7.
However, displaying maturity and experience, South, in their imposing all black kit, responded immediately and closed out the match to claim the title with two more tries from Ostrushko to complete his hat trick.
IRB Chief Executive Mike Miller presented the trophy to the South team and was impressed by what he saw.
"Rugby in Russia is definitely going from strength to strength. The men's and women's national teams continue to impress in both Sevens and Fifteens, while increased crowd numbers show the true appetite for a sport that continues to reach out to new young players and fans.
"The Russian Rugby Sevens Championship is a wonderful spectacle and the perfect tool for players to develop their skills in a highly competitive environment and prepare for the international arena.
"Today's matches were exciting, competitive and of the highest quality and clearly show that Russia is determined to be a force on the international Sevens scene."
The top four teams from the tournament now progress to the Grand Final where they will face the top four teams from the Eastern Conference, which concludes on Tuesday.
