Журнал «ПроРегби» («ProРегби») № 5 (64), 2013

Luzhniki, Moscow

28-30 JUNE

www.rwcsevens.com

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PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION June, 21, 2013.

Reg. № 1348 Moscow, the Kremlin

To participants and guests of the Rugby World Cup Sevens Dear friends!

I welcome you to the legendary sports complex “Luzhniki” and the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

This spectacular, fascinating sport appeared in Russia more than one hundred years ago, but its real development began just in the middle of the 20th century. Our Rugby players have achieved considerable success in the most prestigious international competitions and Russian national teams have won many prizes at European tournaments. It is pleasing to note that there is a new page in the history of Rugby and it is coming back into the program of the Olympic Games. We are striving for these positive steps, strengthening the traditions of Russian Rugby and its international standing.

I am sure that holding the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia will become an excellent boost for our Rugby fans, will foster Rugby Sevens’ popularity and will attract talented young people to the sport.

I send best wishes to all the participants, and the most pleasant and unforgettable experiences to spectators.

V. Putin

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Vitaliy L MUTKO Minister of Sports of Russian Federation

WELCOME SPEECH OF THE MINISTER OF SPORTS OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO PARTICIPANTS, ORGANIZERS AND GUESTS OF THE RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS On behalf of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and myself personally I would like to welcome all the participants, organizers and guests of the Rugby World Cup Sevens! The best Rugby teams of the world will compete for the title of world champions in the Olympic Complex «Luzhniki». For three days, 24 men’s and 16 women’s national teams will give the spectators unforgettable images of the competition on the Rugby pitch.

I am sure that the most prestigious tournament which the International Rugby Board has ever organized in our country will take a significant place among the most important sporting events of the year, and will expand friendship between the Rugby players from different countries and will promote this wonderful sport, not only in Russia but throughout the world. I wish all participants of the Rugby World Cup Sevens fair and uncompromising matches, deserved victories and a lot of success!

Bernard LAPASSET RWCL Chairman Welcome to Moscow! It gives me great pleasure to be here in this wonderful vibrant and exciting city for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013. This is the first time we have brought a major IRB tournament to somewhere outside the traditional heartland of the Game and I know there is a huge amount of excitement.

I believe that the most important legacy that this tournament will leave behind is the positive impact on the game in Russia. Having so many of the world’s top players here in Moscow will hopefully inspire a new generation of Russians to pick up the game.

Of course everything now is building towards the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as rugby prepares to re-enter the summer programme. That will be a wonderful opportunity for the global game to show off the sport to the wider world as a sport for men and women of all ages.

I would like to thank our sponsors for their continued commitment to the game. Thanks also to our host broadcaster, as well as the players, match officials, staff from IRB, RUR and of course the large number of unpaid volunteers.

Have fun and may the best team win!

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Alexander GORBENKO Deputy Moscow Mayor for Regional Security and Information Policy Dear Muscovites and Moscow guests!

The best Rugby players of the Old World have taken part for eight years in the European Championships event in Moscow, and each year the events held in our city have rave reviews from members of the European Rugby Association (FIRA-AER) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).

In 2013, Moscow is now hosting the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Rugby Sevens is relatively young but has already become a very popular Rugby discipline, now included in the Olympic Programme.

From 28 to 30 June at the main arena of the sports complex «Luzhniki», 24 men's and 16 women's teams from around the world come together in fierce competition to reveal the strongest in a fair contest.

Our country has never hosted such a prestigious Rugby event.

I am sure that the organizers will meet the challenge well and impress the fans and Rugby experts.

I wish you all a bright, dynamic tournament and for the audience – an exciting sporting spectacle.

Vyacheslav KOPIEV President of Rugby Union of Russia Dear friends!

The time until the Rugby World Cup Sevens kicks off in the Russian capital has passed quickly.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has never organized a competition of this level in our country however for many years it and the Association of European Rugby (FIRA-AER) have trusted Russia with other major events such as the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy, Seven’s European Cup and European Nations Cup Sevens. From year to year the organization of these competitions has seen enthusiastic feedback from spectators, participants and guests.

The results of Russian teams improve in the international arena with each season. Our players have won the Seven’s European Cup in 2007 and 2009, and in 2010 the national team qualified for the first time in history for the Rugby World Cup, which took place in New Zealand in 2011.

This growth helped the International Rugby Board select Russia as the host of such a major tournament as the Rugby World Cup Sevens, one of Rugby’s biggest events. Now an Olympic sport for Rio 2016, the top 24 men's and 16 women's teams have come to Russia and I am sure our Russian men’s and women’s teams will compete strongly against our famous international guests.

I wish all the participants a successful performance. Let the winner win in a fair competition and the spectators enjoy a fantastic sport event taking place in the majestic Olympic Complex «Luzhniki»!

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IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset accompanies some rugby greats to London’s Olympic Park in preparation for Rugby’s return to the Olympic Games in 2016. (L-R) Humphrey Kayange, Jo Watmore, Bernard Lapasset, Agustin Pichot, Tessa Veldhuis, Tomaz Morais

NEXT STOP RIO – RUGBY RELISHES OLYMPIC GAMES RETURN IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset believes Russia 2013 will be the perfect springboard for Rugby Sevens debut at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the world watches in record numbers to the exciting, thrill-a-second sport.

The world’s finest men’s and women’s Sevens players may not realize it in the heat of battle over the next three days in the Luzhniki Olympic Stadium, but the next time they compete for a major Sevens world title in an Olympic Stadium will be at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Three years out from Sevens’ debut and things are looking rosy for the latest Olympic Sport and for its Chairman Bernard Lapasset. Participation is booming, audiences are growing, new territories and markets are being unlocked, National Olympic Committees pledging their support and sponsors and broadcasters are tuning into Sevens in their masses.

“Since our admission we have been working hard, not only to ensure successful Rugby Sevens events in 2016 and 2020, but to maximise the opportunity for the good of the sport,” said the Frenchman.

“Planning and preparation for Rio 2016 is well underway. The IRB is working in partnership with the IOC and the Rio 2016 Organising Committee to deliver a Rugby Sevens event that is good for the Olympics, great for fans and delivers a boost to the development and growth of the sport worldwide.”

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“We have delivered a strategic plan for Sevens, a vision to grow participation and increase competitiveness. We have strengthened our women’s competition structure and we have assisted our Unions in developing partnerships with their respective National Olympic Committees.”

“We are already seeing the benefit worldwide for Sevens and for Fifteens.

It is the key that has unlocked the door to mass participation in new and emerging markets with increased interest and more nations challenging for the top honours in Sevens, such as the Netherlands and Brazil in the women’s Game.”

In breaking new frontiers, the IRB has entrusted the hosting of its most prestigious men’s and women’s Sevens tournament to Russia. It is a new strategy that is as much about inspiration and growth as it is attendance and Lapasset believes that it is important that the hosting opportunity is converted into increased participation numbers.

“Russia is an important strategic market for the IRB. It now has 30,000 registered players, a professional league and national men’s and women’s teams making their mark on the world stage.

And the evidence is that the sport is con-

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tinuing to grow rapidly in Russia. With 14,500 players being registered in 2009, the number of participants has doubled since the decision was made that year to return Rugby to the Olympics.”

“This growth must continue into the future. It is important that this hosting opportunity is converted into tangible benefits and we have been working in partnership with the Rugby Union of Russia and the Russian Government to achieve just that.”

“Rugby is a sport of strong character-building values and it resonates with the Russian people. Russia is one of the top Olympic nations and so with Rugby now back on the Olympic Games programme, awareness of the sport is definitely growing.”

Rio 2016 looms large. Rugby is ready and Russia 2013 will play its significant part in that process. For Lapasset, he is in no doubt that Rugby Sevens will be a hit at the 2016 Games.

“We have strong working relationship with the IOC and the Sports Department team and the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and we are jointly focusing on delivering an exceptional Rugby Sevens tournament for Rio, the Olympic family and the global Rugby family.”

RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS: A BRIEF HISTORY

By Nigel Starmer-Smith and Seb Lauzier

There are times when you have to thank the Scots - in this instance twice. Not just because of the inspiration of Melrose assistant butcher Adam 'Ned' Haig in his innovation of the shortened game of rugby known as Sevens, but also, I doff my cap to the Scottish Rugby Union, who came up with the appropriate and bold idea some 88 years on from that first Melrose tournament to include an invitation International Sevens tournament in their union's centenary celebrations at Murrayfield in 1973.

The IRB saw the potential for the involvement of emerging rugby nations, many of them new members and lacking international exposure.

It was with all this in mind that the IRB, thanks to the vision of its then chairman, the late Vernon Pugh, embarked on a first Rugby World Cup Sevens at Murrayfield in April 1993 for the Melrose Cup.

ProРегби magazine www.prorugby.ru #5 (64), JUNE 2013 Editorial Board Vyacheslav KOPIEV – the Chairman of the Editorial Board Victor VLASOV – President of the Rugby Academy Vasily KIKNADZE – Councillor of The Rugby Union of Russia Andrey KOKOSHIN – Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Jury NAGORNYH – Deputy minister of the Ministry of sports, tourism and the youth policy of the Russian Federation Peter SPECTOR – 1st Vice-Chairman of the Head Editor of MK Yuriy SIGAYEV – Rugby Super League, General Director Alexey Sokolov – Chairman of Board of Directors of the bank group Zenit-Devon-Credit

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Leonid TIAGACHEV – Councillor of The Federations Board of Russia Thomas HOWARD – Rugby Union of Russia, Vice-President Editorial Stuff Managing editor Anton HALIZOV Editor Sergey MARKOV Photos by: Stanislav Kolpakov, Maria Anderson Design & Page-proofs Andrey Kucheruk, Vladimir Svarchevskiy, Dmitry Pereli Corrector Elena Dykun Advertisement Department: tel.: 8 (495) 688-9356, (495) 688-9347 e-mail: adv@mediainfogroup.ru Circulation department: tel.: 8 (495) 688-9356, (495) 688-9347 e-mail: olenkova@mediainfogroup.ru Publishers address: 47, b.1, Schepkina St.,

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Moscow, Russia 129110 tel. 8 (495) 688-8078 e-mail: info@prorugby.ru Editor: Closed Joint Stock Company Planet of Sport Director general Elena SULDINA 10, b.6, Khokhlovsky alley, Moscow, Russia, 109028 Printed: VIVA-STAR Address: 20, b.3, Electrozavodskaya St., Moscow, Russia 107023 Tel. +7 (495) 780-6705 Sent for the press 24.06.2013 Circulation 10 000 copies

1993: A World first And so to Murrayfield came players of great renown in the 15-a-side game: Cabannes and Bernat-Salles of France; Howley and Neil Jenkins from Wales; Lynagh and Campese of the Wallabies; and Springboks Joost Van der Westhuizen and Chester Williams. But New Zealand looked best-placed, with their established Sevens elite of Eric Rush, Dallas Seymour and Glen Osborne on board. However, with Samoa having already upset the form book by winning in Hong Kong the previous month, it was no surprise there were further upsets in store.

Against all expectations, having defeated Australia, New Zealand fell to France, South Africa lost to both Australia and England, and inexperienced Ireland – with Elwood, Johns and Mick Galwey –

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were shock semi-finalists, only denied a place in the final by a last-second try for Australia by Willie Ofahengaue – Lynagh's conversion making it 21-19.

England had selected well and, despite lacking in preparation, had some genuine experience.

Scrum-half Dave Scully of Wakefield was an inspired choice alongside Dallaglio, Sheasby, Rodber and Cassell up front, and Adebayo, Beal and the prince of pace, Andrew Harriman, outside.

After overcoming a Fiji side boasting the great Serevi, Rasari, Rauluni and Rabaka, it again proved a winning formula in the final against Australia, with tries from Harriman (2) and Dallaglio steering them to a 21-17 win.

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1997: Return to the modern home Four years later the world of Sevens had moved on – at least in

Hong Kong, where the acclaimed event had become virtually an annual world championship. So when the second Rugby World Cup came to Hong Kong in March 1997,

soon-to-depart Governor Chris Patten said it was as if the game was returning to its modern home and what followed was another wonderful rugby celebration.

On the field 24 teams from an enlarged qualifying entry of 67 nations contested the finals, with the Cook Islands, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Portugal the newcomers. The old order was restored, though, as Fiji and New Zealand raised the standard once again. New Zealand, who had won all three Hong Kong titles since the first RWC Sevens, had appointed Gordon Tietjens as their coach and he had unveiled an 18-year-old who was ultimately to become the best-known rugby name on the planet. Jonah Lomu had arrived, and with him Eric Rush, Glen Osborne and 20-year-old Christian Cullen. The Kiwis looked invincible but they met their match in South Africa in the semis. No doubt the absence of Lomu, struck down with a rare kidney disorder, took its toll as the Springboks, with van der

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Westhuizen, Skinstad, Paulse and Rossouw in full flight, crushed them 31-7.

Fiji had been the sleeping giant of late but any team with the little maestro Serevi at the helm could only be an ever-present danger. The final was one of those unforgettable matches. South Africa scored two early tries to be 14-0 up and sailing home. Or so it seemed. Once in gear, it was Fiji irrepressible, swiftly, magically creating four tries and 24 points in a stunning comeback. There was a riposte from South Africa but not enough and a 24-21 score line sent the Melrose Cup to the South Sea Islands for Sevens Heaven and a decreed national holiday.

2001: Mar del Plata Four years later in Mar del Plata Jonah Lomu was back – with a vengeance. Alongside him captain Eric Rush, now 36, and a determined Cup-hunting squad with Tenana, de Goldi, Seymour and Amasio Valence were gunning for glory. Fiji had captain Serevi with Delasau and the Satala cousins. The stage seemed set..

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New Zealand – already by now the reigning and inaugural World Series champions – were coasting, conceding only two tries in their pool rounds but in the last one, against England, they lost captain Rush to a broken leg. It seemed his return to Auckland provided that extra motivation for the kiwis as other big nations suffered.

Spain beat England, Portugal drew with Wales, Argentina beat Ireland and the Cook Islands beat France. Meanwhile, reigning World champions Fiji were knocked off their pedestal by Australia.

But New Zealand remained focused with Tietjens in charge, Tenana the replacement captain and Mils Muliaina, Brad Fleming, Rodney So'oialo Craig Newby and Lomu on hand. Underplayed in the early rounds, it was as though Jonah had been kept in reserve for the crunch matches and, in particular, the final against Australia. He took matters into his own hands from the first whistle to score with his first touch of the ball after just one minute, an unstoppable man mountain over 70 yards. Two more tries – he was simply an irresistible force – and the match was done, 31-12, New Zealand finally claiming the prize.

2005: Back to Hong Kong And so four years on came a return to the mythical home of Sevens, Hong Kong. In the

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intervening years there had been further expansion and improvement across the board.

Australia, under Richard Graham, won three tournaments in 2002 and then England came of age under Joe Lydon, winning in Hong Kong that same season, and then for the next two years after that.

New specialists were emerging too, none finer than in the England squad with Simon Amor and Ben Gollings. Argentina stepped up to the top table with the Gomez Cora brothers, winning their first title in Los Angeles in 2004. But New Zealand kept just ahead of the chasing pack as Fiji slipped back in the rankings, hampered by the unavailability of their overseas players and coaching uncertainties. With the prospects for success more wide open than ever, the 2005 tournament was to prove the greatest of them all so far.

New Zealand had won the overall crown for all five seasons of the IRB Sevens World Series and also the three tournaments – in George, Wellington and Los Angeles – prior to the World Cup, so they started as clear favourites.

Fiji were out of sorts and under pressure for long-awaited success.

Their last tournament title had been in George in 2002, and Serevi was now 37. But maybe it was all pre-ordained. Fiji had brought in Wayne Pivac as coach and he promptly recalled Serevi

to run the show with him and recall the lost talent of former Sevens stars playing abroad. The line-up was mighty as Bobo, the two Satalas and Delasau joined Vunibaka, Roko, Nanuku, Rawaqa, and Daunivucu – and a virtual unknown 22-year-old William Ryder, a player destined to bewitch, bedazzle and bemuse.

All the usual suspects made it to the quarter finals but not before Tunisia had beaten South Africa

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and France had beaten England, while Tonga came close to an alltime upset, getting to within one score of New Zealand, under their new captain, 20-year-old Liam Messam.

They lined up in the first semifinal against Australia, who staged

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an amazing comeback but lost out 24-20 in the end, while the other semi was equally captivating. An Amor try in the last second levelled the scores at 21-21 and gave Gollings a conversion from the touchline to win it. It shaved the post and in sudden-death extra-time an

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unforgettable moment of sporting drama came as two of Sevens' greatest performers pitched into a decisive long chase to the corner, head to head, Serevi casting off his years to pip defender Gollings to score the try that put Fiji into the final against New Zealand.

The quality of performance did not ebb with the meeting of the two previous Cup winners.

New Zealand were magnificent in their title defence but not even the wiles of Amasio Valence, the tireless Liam Messam, Josh Blackie and Tanerau Latimer could tame the inspired Fijians. Serevi brushed away the years and tries

by Daunivucu, Serevi, Naevo, Apolosi Satala and Bobo clinched a second Melrose Cup, 29-19 to spark a week-long party in Fiji.

2009: Dubai and the rise of the women’s game

New Zealand had won through by defeating USA 14-12 in the first semi and Australia then beat South Africa 19-10 in the other.

An outstanding final ebbed and flowed and finally needed suddendeath extra time before Shelly Matcham scored the decisive to make Australia the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens champions. England beat Canada to claim the Plate, and China defeated Brazil to take the Bowl.

In the men's tournament – the sixth in history – the knock-outs provided a cluster of upsets, with New Zealand, England, South Africa and Fiji all dumped out in the Cup

quarter finals. Wales sent the crowd into a frenzy with a one-point win over New Zealand, before accounting for Samoa – victors over England – in their semi to win through to the Cup final.

In the other side of the draw Argentina beat first South Africa and then Kenya – victors over Fiji – to reach the final, but there had no answer to an inspired Wales, who scored three tries to the Pumas' two through Richie Pugh, Tal Selley and finally Aled Thomas to write their names into the RWC Sevens history books and follow England (1993), Fiji (1997), New Zealand (2001) and Fiji (2005) in lifting the Melrose Cup.

Four years later in Dubai the Rugby world arrived expectantly, on the brink of what may still become arguably the biggest decision – by the IOC – in the game’s history. For the fifth edition of the World Cup not only were the finest men’s players in the world on show, but the best in the women’s game were also bidding for glory, taking the number of teams in total up to 40 – 24 men’s and 16 women’s.

With no form guide as such in women's Sevens there were huge question marks over who might prevail, and ultimately it came down to a pulsating final between New Zealand – reigning champions in the 15-a-side game – and Australia, who had recruited heavily from touch rugby to pull together a progressive team of ball-players.

While England had faltered in the Cup quarters against Australia,

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SOME INFORMATION Waisale Tikoisolomoni SEREVI Date of birth: 20th of May, 1968 Place of birth: Suva (Fiji) Height: 169 cm (5 ft 7 in) Weight: 85 kg (190 lb) Position: Scrum-half, Fly-half, Full-back Took part in the Rugby World Cup (Fifteens) of 1991, 1999, 2003 Played three matches with the “Barbarians” in 2002 and 2003 Took part in four World Cups in Rugby Sevens (1993, 1997, 2001, 2005) Won two World Cups in Rugby Sevens (1997 and 2005) In May 2013 it was announced that Serevi was returning to the coaching Staff of the Fijian team.

INTERESTING FACTS: 1. Apart from rugby, Serevi also likes to play touch rugby and volleyball 2. Serevi has been married since 1993, has two daughters and a son

THE KING OF SEVENS On March, 23 in 2013, Fijian star Waisale Serevi was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

For observers of his career, it was always a case of when and not if Serevi would be bestowed the honour and becoming the first ever Fijian to do so was even more fitting for the man regarded the greatest player his country has produced.

According to Bernard Lapasset the IRB Chairman “Serevi is one of Rugby’s true greats. He was an exceptional player who has excelled in both Sevens and Fifteens and achieved all that there is to achieve in Rugby Sevens with his beloved Fiji, winning Rugby World Cup Seven and Sevens World Series titles, while also winning the hearts of fans around the world with his exciting and entertaining style of play. He was a gentleman in victory and defeat and played his Rugby with a smile, promoting Rugby’s character-building values of passion, respect, discipline, solidarity and integrity.”

“There is no doubt that his exploits on and off the field firmly established

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Pacific Island Rugby on the global Rugby map, while also playing a significant part in the phenomenal rise in popularity of Rugby Sevens, which ultimately played a significant role in Rugby Sevens becoming an Olympic Sport.”

Despite being a true global star of the game, Serevi is one of the most welcoming players the sport of rugby has ever produced and he is recognised for his extraordinary generosity and kindness of spirit.

On travelling to Russia after an invitation from Russian Rugby Union to help out with the team before a major competition in London, Serevi amazed the team with his simplicity of approach and excellent and plentiful advice – and that is type of story which just typifies the man dubbed ‘The King of Sevens.’

Towards the end of his stellar career, Serevi proved his ability as a top quality coach, when having won the World Cup in 2005, he was appointed as the

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3. On his kit for matches Serevi had the words “Philippians 4:13” written. It is a reference to the biblical quote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

coach of the Fiji national team which he duly led to victory in 2005/6 World Series – the first time it was not won

by New Zealand.

As well as coaching Fiji to the IRB Series win in 2006, Serevi also coached them to a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

But it is the Melrose Cup with which he is more closely associated given that Serevi-led teams captured three straight Melrose Cups at the Hong Kong Sevens from 19901992.

He was one of the few players to play both Fifteens and Sevens formats, the former taking him to play for clubs in England, France and Japan.

The great man said: “I played in Sevens with the Fijian national team for 21 years. Together with the Fijian team I was lucky enough to win two World Cups. Rugby Sevens gave me really a lot and it gave even more to Fiji.”

If you are lucky enough to see Waisale Serevi with your own eyes appreciate every second of it.

Remember, you have seen a legend of the world rugby. You have seen the King of Sevens.

SLIM, FIT… A REAL

RUSSIAN BEAR! Animal mascots are commonplace these days, but why is the Russian national team known as the Bears, and why is the mascot of this particular tournament a Bear?

Russians are often compared to bears. Since ancient times people have been worshipping animals and giving them almost god-like status. Bears are peaceful animals and, as such, rarely seen angry, but

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if you’re unlucky enough to find yourself in that situation look out!

In the mid-90s after the fall of the USSR it was Russia who took on the mantel of the USSR’s rugby team and ever since right around the world the Russian players have been known as ‘the Bears’. After a run of five straight wins in 1992 the team adopted the ‘Russian Bears’ as its official name, but still the team had no emblem. Work began devising a suitable logo for the team, at one with Russia, the country’s symbols and the colours of the flag. With the naming of the team it was decided that a bear should be used to symbolise the virtues of the national team: the spirit, strength and dignity of the players and, of course, the importance of standing up for oneself in battle.

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So it should come as no surprise that the mascot for this Rugby World Cup Sevens is also a bear. To be precise, he is a rugby-playing bear – not a fat and lazy bear but a tall, fit and slender Russian bear – and every inch what the modern, independent Russian man should be like according to the mascot designers!

RUSSIAN RUGBY CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY 2013 is a landmark year for both international rugby and Russian rugby with the oval-ball game celebrating its 190th anniversary and Russian rugby turns 90.

To mark the event, in September 2013, Moscow’s authorities are organising a celebration as well as publishing a book.

In 1908, Russia was first introduced to rugby when an English crew sailing to Odessa challenged the locals to a game. However, the first official rugby match was held after the revolution in 1923 at the Moscow’s Burevestnik Stadium (which was later replaced by the Olympiysky complex). The participating teams were the community for physical education of toilers and Moscow’s fluvial yacht club.

It was down to the efforts of a Soviet sports official named M Kozlov who at that time was the chairman of the Moscow Institute of Physical Education. He had an outstanding personality and was in fact the first coach of the Soviet

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national football team. Supporting him was S Sysoev who was one of the first rugby players and an enthusiast of the game.

Teams started to form all over the place and in 1934 the first Moscow competition was held. The first Russian rugby coaches were taught by a French journalist named Jean Neau and by 1936 the first USSR rugby championship took place.

Up until 1949 the popularity of rugby was growing in the USSR, but then the government prohibited the game. This was the era when the fight against “cosmopolitism” and “worshiping the West” was at its peak and rugby was announced as a game that did not match the “high

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moral criteria of the Soviet people”.

There was a rugby renaissance in the USSR in 1957 after the International Youth and Students’ Festival and in 1959 the first post-war international tournament took place in Moscow. The competing teams included Moscow Higher Technical School, Moscow aviation institute, Veronezh and Padagogical Institute (Nikolayev City) in which Moscow Higher Technical School won the tournament.

In 1966, the USSR rugby competition was re-introduced and since 1968 has been a regular sporting event, since the USSR Rugby Federation was founded in 1967. The first President was Vladimir Ilyushin

who was a pilot, a hero of the Soviet Union, a son of a famous aircraft designer named S Ilyushin who was a Deputy of Sukhoy, the Chief Designer at the Soviet Central Design Office.

Vladimir was in charge of the Federation for 25 years until 1991 and in February 2013 he was inducted into the International Rugby Board’s Hall of Fame posthumously.

In May 1975 the Rugby Federation of the USSR was accepted in to the International Federation of amateur rugby and since 1976 the national team of the USSR was invited to take part in the European Championship.

Since 1979 the Soviet national team invariably participated in the highest league (pool A) at the European Championships, where it managed to take third place three times (in 1978, 1981 and 1983) and came second in 1985-1987, 1989 and in 1990. The players were all rewarded with the title “Master of Sports of the International level”.

By 1990 the USSR Rugby Federation became an associate member of the IRB. Soon after in 1992, the Russian Rugby Union was founded and now operates as the Russian Rugby Federation and is responsible for rugby union, rugby Sevens and the Russian Cup. In 2003, Vyacheslav Kopiev took up the post of President of the Russian Rugby Union and is still in charge of the Federation today.

Russian rugby has a rich history, the national Sevens team became the European Champions in 2007 and 2009. The women’s sevens team obtained the same title in 2013.

The national side made its RWC debut in 2011 in New Zealand and

despite losing all their matches they made the biggest impression amongst all the other debutants at the tournament scoring 8 tries in 4 matches.

Russia has proven in the past that it can successfully host international championships of the highest standard and for several years hosted the Moscow round of the European Grand Prix Sevens series and in 2010 Moscow hosted the Junior World Rugby Trophy.

In 2013 Russia will host the Rugby World Cup Sevens and also the first rugby 7s tournament as part of the 27th International Summer Student Games in Kazan city in Tatarstan.

The development of rugby in Russia is evident, the Russian Rugby Championship (in Super League and in the Higher League) and the Russian Championship in rugby Sevens are held on a regular basis.

A lot of resources go in to developing junior rugby. The school rugby league has been set up and is very active, holding junior rugby competitions. As for students, the FRR and Russian Rugby Union arrange the Russian Championship in the form of rugby sevens.

Yes Russian rugby is 90, but one thing is for sure: rugby in Russia has a bright future and this is just the beginning.

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«BANK OF MOSCOW»

RUGBY IN SPACE One common thread weaving its way through the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow on 28 – 30 June is Space. It is an obvious sub-plot to the main event when you consider Russia’s heritage in both sport and space travel.

“THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IN MOSCOW WILL BE A HUGE SUCCESS” On February 28 the Petrovsky Putevoy Palace in central Moscow hosted the pool allocation draw for the Rugby World Cup Sevens. The draw was hosted by TV presenter Aleksey Popov, whose work in sport extends into Formula 1 but who has a known passion for rugby. The draw was preceded by the much–awaited unveiling of the tournament Mascot, Mishka the Bear. Mishka was joined by two glamorous assistants in national dress as he took to the stage and greeted the audience with a ball in one hand and a microphone in the other, before leaving the stage to great applause. Job done.

The first proper words were spoken by Bernard Lapasset, the Chair-

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the official sponsor of the music festival Rugby man of the IRB: “The draw for the Rugby World Cup Sevens is an event which has grabbed the attention of the rugby family right around the world. Interest in the tournament is now high and it has been growing ever since the first edition was played back in 1993. The world of rugby can take pride in this event.

Russia is a great Olympic nation and I am sure that as we count down to Rugby Sevens’ Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 this tournament will be a stunning success” said Lapasset.

Alongside Lapasset at the draw ceremony was a host of Russian national treasures: space mission captain Sergey Volkov and pilot Maxim Suraev, as well as Olympic champions Alina Kabaeva, Pavel Kolobkov, Alexey Nemov and Nikolay Gulyaev..

FROM ISS TO RUGBY As any serious Sevens fan knows, it has become a custom in latter years for Rugby Sevens events staged around the world to have their own flavour, or theme. For example, the final round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in London invited fans to ‘safari’ and a year ago it provided a ‘disco’ backdrop to the action on the pitch. For the fans, of course, a great deal of preparation goes into these events and so the theme each time is made known well in advance.

And in that respect, Moscow has been no exception. The main topic here is: Space.

In the same year that Moscow hosts this wonderful celebration

of Rugby, it is also the 50th anniversary of the first female astronaut’s mission, when Valentina Tereshkova flew into space. On 16 June 1963 Tereshkova manned the flight on shuttle Vostok-6 known as ‘Chayka’ and in doing so became the world’s first spacewoman.

In Russia the sport of Rugby and the aviation industry have for a long time enjoyed a strong bond. Some of rugby’s traditions in Russia stem from the aeronautical industry and for some time the aviation institute had a team in the USSR national championship. And not to forget the most successful of all the Russian sides, VVA-Podmoskovje.

When the draw for the World Cup kicked off, somewhat unexpectedly space pilot Oleg Novitsky spoke to the people in the room from aboard the ISS currently orbiting in space.

“From the bottom of my heart, and from aboard the ISS, I welcome all the participants of the Rugby World Cup Sevens! I really like the sport for the values that it upholds: bravery, teamwork and respect. It is no coincidence that everyone involved in this

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23

«BANK OF MOSCOW» great sport of rugby – no matter their age, colour or creed – come together as one big family. Rugby Sevens has now become an Olympic sport and it is very symbolic that this World Cup should take place on the hallowed turf at the famous Luzhniki Stadium. I am sure that the tournament will be enjoyed by all who attend, and I myself am looking forward to coming back down to earth, seeing my friends and family and also being able to come to the tournament,” said Novitsky.

Neither is rugby the first sport to partner with space – in ice hockey the main trophy of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has for five years been known as the Gagarin Cup after the first man into space. So you see, there is a national theme emerging.

‘SPACE’ BACK IN RUSSIA Music is also a major part of any Rugby Sevens tournament and the star attraction at the culture and music festival run-

ning alongside the RWC Sevens is who else but legendary French band, ‘Space’, led by Didier Marouani.

Marouani has been playing his ‘space’ electro style for some 36 years and first started out on the piano at the age of five. In 1975 he started a promising career as a singer and after two years decided to channel his talents into

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song-writing, with his otherworldly style easily lending itself to the name ‘Space’. With synthesisers at the heart of his melody-making he has built up a strong following down the years off the back of his first album, which proved a hit throughout Europe in collaboration with arranger Roland Romanelli, vocalist Madlen Bell and drummer Jo Hammer. The same group

the official sponsor of the music festival Rugby

29 at the Luzhniki

On June

stadium recorded a second album in the same year which led to a tour and teed up a third album, Just Blue, which took their album sales beyond the 10 million mark.

In true Rock and Roll style, the band went their separate ways in 1980 but Marouani decided to carry on, albeit initially without the blessing of the others right up until the release of the fourth album, ‘Space’.

In 1983 Marouani set his sights even higher and decided to embark on a tour of the USSR, where he was so well received that he has gone back regularly to the soviet republics ever since. The culmination of that love affair was a ‘Space’ concert held in 1992

in Red Square, where more than 360,000 fans flocked to listen to his music.

In 2011 to celebrate Yury Gagarin’s 50th anniversary Marouani and “Space” were chosen to perform exclusive concerts in the Cosmonauts Palace in Star City and in the State Kremlin Palace. Supported by famous Russian artists, Marouani wound back the years playing all of his classics, many inspired by his fascination with space and including the song “Hurrah, Gagarin, hurrah!”, which was composed for the occasion and performed together with the artists and astronauts from different countries around the world.

after the final there will a concert played by

SPACE Free entry with your World Cup tickets

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FRIDAY JUNE 28 «LUZHNIKI»

15.00 (Moscow time) Samoa Zimbabwe (men) 15.22 Kenya – Philippines (men) 15.44 New Zealand – Canada (men) 16.06 USA – Georgia (men) 16.28 Fiji – Tonga (men) 16.50 Wales – Uruguay (men) 17.12 England – Portugal (men) 17.34 Argentina – Hong Kong (men) 17.58 THE OPENING CEREMONY 18.30 Australia – Spain (men) 18.52 France – Tunisia (men) 19.14 SOUTH AFRICA – RUSSIA (men) 19.36 Scotland – Japan (men)

SATURDAY JUNE 29 «LUZHNIKI»

09.00 Samoa – Philippines (men) 09.22 Kenya – Zimbabwe (men) 09.44 New Zealand – Georgia (men) 10.06 USA – Canada (men) 10.28 Fiji – Uruguay (men) 10.50 Wales – Tonga (men) 11.12 Argentina – Portugal (men) 11.34 England – Hong Kong (men) 11.56 Australia – Tunisia (men) 12.18 France – Spain (men) 12.40 South Africa – Japan (men) 13.02 SCOTLAND – RUSSIA (men) 13.24 Zimbabwe – Philippines (men) 13.46 Canada – Georgia (men) 14.08 Tonga, Uruguay (men) 14.30 Portugal – Hong Kong (men) 14.52 Spain – Tunisia (men) 15.14 Samoa – Kenya (men) 15.36 Holland – Tunisia (women) 15.58 China – Ireland (women) 16.20 New Zealand – United States (men) 16.42 Fiji – Wales (men) 17.04 Brazil – Fiji (women) 17.26 France – Japan (women) 17.48 England – Argentina (men) 18.10 Australia France (men) 18.32 Canada – New Zealand (women) 18.54 Australia – South Africa (women) 19.16 South Africa – Scotland (men) 19.38 RUSSIA – JAPAN (men) 20.00 USA – Spain (women) 20.22 ENGLAND – RUSSIA (women)

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SATURDAY JUNE 29 THE FIELD OF «SPORTIVNII GORODOK” OC «LUZHNIKI»

09.00 New Zealand, Tunisia (women) 09.22 Canada – Netherlands (women) 09.44 Australia – China (women) 10.06 South Africa – Ireland (women) 10.28 USA – Brazil (women) 10.50 Spain – Fiji (women) 11.12 England – France (women) 11.34 RUSSIA – JAPAN (women) 11.56 Canada – Tunisia (women) 12.18 New Zealand, the Netherlands (women) 12.40 Australia – Ireland (women) 13.02 South Africa – China (women) 13.24 USA – Fiji (women) 13.46 Spain – Brazil (women) 14.08 RUSSIA – FRANCE (women) 14.30 England – Japan (women)

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SUNDAY30 JUNE «LUZHNIKI» 09.30 17–24 places quarter–final (men) 09.52 17–24 places quarter–final (men) 10.14 17–24 places quarter–final (men) 10.36 17–24 places quarter–final (men) 10.58 9–16 places quarter–final (men) 11.20 9–16 places quarter–final (men) 11.42 9–16 places quarter–final (men) 12.04 9–16 places quarter–final (men) 13.00 1–8 places quarter–final (men) 13.22 1–8 places quarter–final (men) 13.44 1–8 places quarter–final for (men) 14.06 1–8 places quarter–final (men) 14.28 17–20 places semi–final (men) 14.50 17–20 places semi–final (men) 15.12 17–20 places semi–final (men) 15.34 9–12 places semi–final (men) 15.56 Cup semi–final (women) 16.18 Cup semi–final (women) 16.40 Cup semifinal (men) 17.02 Cup semi–final (men) 17.50 Match for the 13–th place (women) 18.15 Match for the 17–th place (men) 18.40 Match for the 9–th place (women) 19.05 Match for the 9–th place (men) 19.30 Match for the 3rd place (women) 19.55 Match for the 3rd place (men) 20.25 Final (women) 20.55 Final (men)

THE FIELD OF «SPORTIVNII GORODOK» OC «LUZHNIKI» 11.00 9–16 places quarter–final (women) 11.22 9–16 places quarter–final (women) 11.44 9–16 places quarter–final (women) 12.06 9–16 places quarter–final (women) 12.28 1–8 places quarter–final (women) 12.50 1–8 places quarter–final (women) 13.12 1–8 places quarter–final (women) 13.34 1–8 places quarter–final (women) 14.30 13 place semi–final (women) 14.52 13 place semi–final (women) 15.14 9 place semi–final (women) 15.36 9 place semi–final (women)

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WELCOME TO THE FESTIVAL! As well as being the pinnacle of the sport, Rugby World Cup Sevens is traditionally a festival of sevens, and the event in Moscow is no exception. Whilst the top teams battle it out in the Olympic stadium, there are a number of other tournaments, including the second event of the Russian national sevens championship and a junior competition. And away from the rugby, there are a host of exciting events, including live music from Space.

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The Rugby World Cup Sevens matches a re fast a nd f u r ious, w it h fou r hou rs’ act ion on Fr iday, 11 on Sat u rday a nd nea rly 12 on Su nday. I f spectators wa nt a brea k f rom t h is act ion, t he ot her tou r na ments ta k i ng place on pitches a rou nd t he ma i n Luzh n i k i Stad iu m of fer su itable respite. On t he way you may wel l encou nter some t rad it iona l act iv it ies w it h a r ugby t heme. Fa ns shou ld a lso watch out for some f u n a nd i nteract ive events ta k i ng place i n t he ma i n stad iu m.

The junior tournament, for 12-year-olds, features teams from Russia and neighbouring countries. From Russia there are teams from Kaliningrad region, Kursk, Lipetsk, St. Petersburg and its region, Moscow and its region, K rasnodar region, Tatarstan, Izhevsk, Yoshkar-Ola, Saratov, Samara region, Penza region, Omsk and Tyumen, Nizhny Novgorod, Kemerovo region and K rasnoyarsk area. It just goes to show that rugby is reaching out to all corners of the country.

The final of the junior tournament is taking place in the main Luzhniki Olympic stadium – a truly emotional experience

for the players, their family and friends alike. They, along with the rest of the crowd, will be treated to a live performance on Saturday by the world-famous band ‘Space’ featuring Didier Marouani. On Sunday, Anita

Tsoy, Stas Namin and Tsvety are performing live.

It all adds up to a fantastic festival. We welcome you and hope you have an unforgettable time at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Moscow!

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL A AUSTRALIA

FRANCE

World Cup Record Played: 36 Won: 25 Lost: 10 Drawn: 1 Points Scored: 855 Conceded: 506 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 27 Won: 14 Lost: 13 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 520 Conceded: 359

Form over last 10 games Won: 5 Drawn: 0 Lost: 5 Lost last 1 Best streak 7 wins From 26 Jan 2001 to 28 Jan 2001 Worst run 2 losses From 06 Mar 2009 to 06 Mar 2009 Highest Score 47 - 0 v UNITED STATES RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool D Widest Margin 47 - 0 v UNITED STATES RWC III - Mar del Plata Pool D

Form over last 10 games Won: 6 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 Lost last 2 Best streak 4 wins From 21 Mar 1997 to 22 Mar 1997 Worst run 3 losses From 23 Mar 1997 to 26 Jan 2001 Highest Score 40 - 7 v UNITED STATES RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool D Day 2 Widest Margin 35 - 0 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool B

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 42 v NEW ZEALAND RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool F

Heaviest Defeat 5 - 38 v FIJI RWC V - Dubai - Pool B

SPAIN

TUNISIA

World Cup Record Played: 19 Won: 10 Lost: 8 Drawn: 1 Tournaments : 4th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Points Scored: 268 Conceded: 310

World Cup Record Tournaments : 3rd RWC Debut : Hong Kong 2005 Played: 10 Won: 4 Lost: 6 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 160 Conceded: 184

Form over last 10 games Won: 5 Drawn: 1 Lost: 4 Lost last 1

Form over last 10 games Won: 4 Drawn: 0 Lost: 6 Lost last 1

Best streak 3 wins From 26 Jan 2001 to 27 Jan 2001

Best streak 2 wins From 18 Mar 2005 to 19 Mar 2005

Worst run 2 losses From 23 Mar 1997 to 26 Jan 2001

Worst run 4 losses From 19 Mar 2005 to 06 Mar 2009

Highest Score 31 - 12 v COOK ISLANDS RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool F

Highest Score 40 - 7 v RUSSIA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

Widest Margin 28 - 7 v ZIMBABWE RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool C

Widest Margin 40 - 7 v RUSSIA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 47 v SAMOA RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool D

Heaviest Defeat 7 - 29 v KENYA RWC V - Dubai - Pool E

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL B SOUTH AFRICA

SCOTLAND

World Cup Record Played: 31 Won: 24 Lost: 7 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 849 Conceded: 283 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Tournaments : 5th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 25 Won: 15 Lost: 9 Drawn: 1 Points Scored: 515 Conceded: 476

Form over last 10 games Won: 7 Drawn: 0 Lost: 3 Lost last 1

Form over last 10 games Won: 6 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 Won last 3

Best streak 7 wins From 18 Apr 1993 to 23 Mar 1997

Best streak 4 wins From 18 Mar 2005 to 19 Mar 2005

Worst run 2 losses From 28 Jan 2001 to 18 Mar 2005

Worst run 3 losses From 19 Mar 2005 to 05 Mar 2009

Highest Score 59 - 0 v URUGUAY RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

Highest Score 43 - 19 v ROMANIA RWC II - Hong Kong - Plate Quarter Final

Widest Margin 59 - 0 v URUGUAY RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D Heaviest Defeat 21 - 24 v FIJI RWC II - Hong Kong - Cup Final

Widest Margin 36 - 5 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool C Heaviest Defeat 0 - 48 v NEW ZEALAND RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool A

RUSSIA

JAPAN

World Cup Record Played: 15 Won: 8 Lost: 7 Drawn: 0 Tournaments : 3rd RWC Debut : Mar del Plata 2001 Points Scored: 262 Conceded: 341

World Cup Record Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 30 Won: 12 Lost: 18 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 395 Conceded: 742

Form over last 10 games Won: 6 Drawn: 0 Lost: 4 Lost last 1

Form over last 10 games Won: 3 Drawn: 0 Lost: 7 Lost last 5

Best streak 4 wins From 27 Jan 2001 to 28 Jan 2001

Best streak 4 wins From 17 Apr 1993 to 18 Apr 1993

Worst run 2 losses From 18 Mar 2005 to 19 Mar 2005

Worst run 5 losses Ongoing from 20 Mar 2005

Highest Score 34 - 17 v URUGUAY RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

Highest Score 33 - 19 v SCOTLAND RWC I - Edinburgh - Bowl Final

Widest Margin 29 - 5 v JAPAN RWC IV - Hong Kong - Plate Quarter Final

Widest Margin 14 - 0 v CANADA RWC I - Edinburgh - Bowl Semi Final

Heaviest Defeat 14 - 54 v SOUTH AFRICA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 52 v NEW ZEALAND RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool C

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL С SAMOA

KENYA

World Cup Record Played: 33 Won: 26 Lost: 7 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 888 Conceded: 430 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Tournaments : 4th RWC Debut : Mar del Plata 2001 Played: 19 Won: 7 Lost: 12 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 293 Conceded: 429

Form over last 10 games Won: 8 Drawn: 0 Lost: 2 Lost last 1 Best streak 7 wins From 20 Mar 2005 to 07 Mar 2009 Worst run 2 losses From 27 Jan 2001 to 28 Jan 2001 Highest Score 49 - 19 v UNITED STATES RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool D Widest Margin 47 - 0 v SPAIN RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool D Heaviest Defeat 7 - 45 v NEW ZEALAND RWC III - Mar del Plata - Cup Quarter Final

Form over last 10 games Won: 5 Drawn: 0 Lost: 5 Lost last 1 Best streak 2 wins From 05 Mar 2009 to 06 Mar 2009 Worst run 5 losses From 26 Jan 2001 to 27 Jan 2001 Highest Score 43 - 7 v HONG KONG RWC V - Dubai - Pool E Widest Margin 43 - 7 v HONG KONG RWC V - Dubai - Pool E Heaviest Defeat 7 - 52 v FIJI RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool A

ZIMBABWE

PHILIPPINES

World Cup Record Played: 17 Won: 5 Lost: 12 Drawn: 0 Tournaments : 4th RWC Debut : Hong Kong 1997 Points Scored: 242 Conceded: 376

World Cup Record Tournaments : 1st RWC Debut : Moscow 2013 Played: 0 Won: 0 Lost: 0 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 0 Conceded: 0 Form over last 10 games

Form over last 10 games Won: 4 Drawn: 0 Lost: 6 Won last 4

Best streak

Best streak 4 wins From 06 Mar 2009 to 07 Mar 2009

Worst run

Worst run 12 losses From 21 Mar 1997 to 06 Mar 2009

Highest Score

Highest Score 42 - 7 v CANADA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A

Widest Margin

Widest Margin 42 - 7 v CANADA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A

Heaviest Defeat

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 47 v NEW ZEALAND RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool C

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL D NEW ZELAND

UNITED STATES

World Cup Record Played: 34 Won: 29 Lost: 5 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 1106 Conceded: 285 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 28 Won: 10 Lost: 18 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 444 Conceded: 659

Form over last 10 games Won: 8 Drawn: 0 Lost: 2 Lost last 1

Form over last 10 games Won: 3 Drawn: 0 Lost: 7 Lost last 1

Best streak 15 wins From 26 Jan 2001 to 20 Mar 2005

Best streak 3 wins From 23 Mar 1997 to 23 Mar 1997

Worst run 1 losses On 07 Mar 2009

Worst run 3 losses From 20 Mar 2005 to 06 Mar 2009

Highest Score 52 - 0 v JAPAN RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool C Widest Margin 52 - 0 v JAPAN RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool C Heaviest Defeat 7 - 31 v SOUTH AFRICA RWC II - Hong Kong - Cup Semi Final

Highest Score 40 - 28 v JAPAN RWC II - Hong Kong - Bowl Final Widest Margin 31 - 0 v NETHERLANDS RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool B Heaviest Defeat 19 - 49 v SAMOA RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool D

CANADA

GEORGIA

World Cup Record Played: 29 Won: 10 Lost: 19 Drawn: 0 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Points Scored: 430 Conceded: 467

World Cup Record Tournaments : 4th RWC Debut : Hong Kong 2005 Played: 19 Won: 6 Lost: 12 Drawn: 1 Points Scored: 225 Conceded: 431

Form over last 10 games Won: 4 Drawn: 0 Lost: 6 Lost last 1 Best streak 6 losses From 18 Apr 1993 to 23 Mar 1997 Worst run 6 losses From 18 Apr 1993 to 23 Mar 1997 Highest Score 55 - 7 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool B

Form over last 10 games Won: 2 Drawn: 1 Lost: 7 Lost last 5 Best streak 2 wins From 19 Mar 2005 to 20 Mar 2005 Worst run 5 losses Ongoing from 20 Mar 2005 Highest Score 27 - 21 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool B

Widest Margin 55 - 7 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool B

Widest Margin 24 - 0 v UNITED STATES RWC IV - Hong Kong - Plate Quarter Final

Heaviest Defeat 7 - 42 v ZIMBABWE RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 47 v ENGLAND RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool B

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL E FIJI

TONGA

World Cup Record Played: 35 Won: 31 Lost: 4 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 1090 Conceded: 329 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Played: 27 Won: 14 Lost: 13 Drawn: 0 Tournaments : 5th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Points Scored: 534 Conceded: 411

Form over last 10 games Won: 9 Drawn: 0 Lost: 1 Lost last 1 Best streak 13 wins From 21 Mar 1997 to 28 Jan 2001 Worst run 1 losses On 07 Mar 2009 Highest Score 66 - 0 v NAMIBIA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A Day 2 Widest Margin 66 - 0 v NAMIBIA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A Day 2 Heaviest Defeat 7 - 26 v KENYA RWC V - Dubai - Cup Quarter Final

Form over last 10 games Won: 4 Drawn: 0 Lost: 6 Lost last 1 Best streak 4 wins From 23 Mar 1997 to 18 Mar 2005 Worst run 4 losses From 18 Mar 2005 to 19 Mar 2005 Highest Score 52 - 0 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool C Widest Margin 52 - 0 v CHINESE TAIPEI RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool C Heaviest Defeat 7 - 42 v SAMOA RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool E

WALES

URUGUAY

World Cup Record Tournaments : 5th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 24 Won: 12 Lost: 10 Drawn: 2 Points Scored: 458 Conceded: 362

World Cup Record Tournaments : 3rd RWC Debut : Hong Kong 2005 Played: 11 Won: 1 Lost: 10 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 112 Conceded: 300

Form over last 10 games Won: 8 Drawn: 0 Lost: 2 Won last 3

Form over last 10 games Won: 1 Drawn: 0 Lost: 9 Lost last 1

Best streak 3 wins Ongoing from 07 Mar 2009

Best streak 1 win On 07 Mar 2009

Worst run 2 losses From 26 Jan 2001 to 26 Jan 2001

Worst run 9 losses From 18 Mar 2005 to 06 Mar 2009

Highest Score 40 - 5 v NAMIBIA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A Day 2

Highest Score 24 - 28 v ZIMBABWE RWC V - Dubai - Pool F

Widest Margin 40 - 5 v NAMIBIA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool A Day 2

Widest Margin 19 - 12 v JAPAN RWC V - Dubai - Bowl Quarter Final

Heaviest Defeat 14 - 36 v SOUTH AFRICA RWC I - Edinburgh - Pool A

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 59 v SOUTH AFRICA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool D

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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES - POOL F ENGLAND

ARGENTINA

World Cup Record Played: 32 Won: 23 Lost: 9 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 780 Conceded: 370 Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993

World Cup Record Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 31 Won: 21 Lost: 10 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 639 Conceded: 436

Form over last 10 games Won: 7 Drawn: 0 Lost: 3 Lost last 1 Best streak 6 wins From 18 Apr 1993 to 22 Mar 1997 Worst run 2 losses From 27 Jan 2001 to 28 Jan 2001 Highest Score 47 - 0 v GEORGIA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool B Widest Margin 47 - 0 v GEORGIA RWC IV - Hong Kong - Pool B Heaviest Defeat 5 - 33 v AUSTRALIA RWC III - Mar del Plata - Cup Quarter Final

Form over last 10 games Won: 7 Drawn: 0 Lost: 3 Lost last 1 Best streak 5 wins From 05 Mar 2009 to 07 Mar 2009 Worst run 2 losses From 19 Mar 2005 to 20 Mar 2005 Highest Score 49 - 7 v RUSSIA RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool A Widest Margin 49 - 7 v RUSSIA RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool A Heaviest Defeat 7 - 45 v SOUTH AFRICA RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool G

PORTUGAL

HONG-KONG

World Cup Record Played: 26 Won: 9 Lost: 16 Drawn: 1 Tournaments : 5th RWC Debut : Hong Kong 1997 Points Scored: 343 Conceded: 550

World Cup Record Tournaments : 6th RWC Debut : Edinburgh 1993 Played: 29 Won: 6 Lost: 23 Drawn: 0 Points Scored: 318 Conceded: 760

Form over last 10 games Won: 5 Drawn: 0 Lost: 5 Lost last 1

Form over last 10 games Won: 1 Drawn: 0 Lost: 9 Lost last 1

Best streak 3 wins From 19 Mar 2005 to 20 Mar 2005 Worst run 5 losses From 21 Mar 1997 to 23 Mar 1997 Highest Score 33 - 12 v IRELAND RWC III - Mar del Plata - Bowl Semi Final

Best streak 2 wins From 23 Mar 1997 to 23 Mar 1997 Worst run 16 losses From 23 Mar 1997 to 06 Mar 2009 Highest Score 43 - 7 v SCOTLAND RWC II - Hong Kong - Plate Semi Final

Widest Margin 26 - 0 v HONG KONG RWC III - Mar del Plata - Pool D

Widest Margin 43 - 7 v SCOTLAND RWC II - Hong Kong - Plate Semi Final

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 59 v FIJI RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool D

Heaviest Defeat 0 - 45 v FIJI RWC II - Hong Kong - Pool D

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37

The winger of the Russian national team and England’s «Northampton Saints» Vasily ARTEMYEV talks about the upcoming Rugby World Cup Sevens and preparing from a player’s perspective.

Vasily ARTEMYEV:

«RWC SEVENS – NO OBVIOUS FAVORITES» – – How does the Russian team feel on the eve of the RWC Sevens?

– – And what do you personally expect from the RWC Sevens?

– – After the IRB Sevens World Series events in Glasgow and London we had a great result at the European Grand-Prix Series event in Lyon, where we took second place. We have also worked really hard in our training camp. I think now the Russian coaching staff are seeing strong competition for places for the RWC Sevens squad.

– – I would like to see many happy faces among the crowds at the Rugby festival. I really hope that the World Cup will give people positive experiences and memories.

– – Will the popularity of Rugby in Russia grow significantly after hosting a tournament at this level in Moscow?

– – I really hope so. I can see what a great job has already been done by the organizers of this event. From our side, I can promise that we also will do our best so that after the RWC Sevens the interest in Rugby among Russian supporters will rise con-siderably.

38

– – Which teams do you see among the favourites?

– – In Sevens there are not any obvious favourites. Sevens tournaments are quite short and any team can win. It is worth remembering that at RWC Sevens 2009 in Dubai New Zealand, England, Fiji and Samoa among the favourites, but none of them made the Final. In fact, Wales and Argentina competed for the Cup at that event.

– – You have represented Russia in both 15s and Sevens. How big

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is the difference between the preparations for these two types of Rugby?

–– Of course there are differences since each has their own nuances.

In Sevens the tournaments last for 2-3 days whereas in 15s the players get prepared to one specific match.

Preparing for Sevens events we have less focus on standard positional training and work more on team defensive and attack strategies, as well as paying attention to skills and open-phase play.

– – What are your messages to supporters on the eve of such a large tournament?

– – I hope all Rugby fans have a great time at the RWC Sevens and I hope that our supporters will be pleased to have attended the event and the festival. I promise that the Russian Rugby team will do its best to live up to expectations.

SEVEN PLAYERS-MEN’S TO WATCH Tim Mikkelson New Zealand) Mikkelson’s outstanding consistency, professionalism and overall qualities as a leading Sevens player epitomise New Zealand. A big wing in 15s, Mikkelson operates selflessly in the scrum in Sevens and led the team impeccably in DJ Forbes’ injury-enforced absence for the climax of the World Series. A popular tourist, he has been a part of Gordon Tietjens’ side for several years. Watch out for his workrate both on and off the ball. Another kiwi to watch out for is young playmaker Gillies Kaka, whose impact has been remarkable in his first season.

Willie Ambaka Kenya Dubbed ‘Kenya’s Lomu’, Ambaka was in the forwards when Mike Friday arrived as head coach and his decision to move the gentle giant into the centre and wing positions has proved inspired. His was the telling performance when Kenya reached the Cup final in Wellington on the Series, beating New Zealand in the semis, and he was also a big factor in the other three semi finals they reached this season. A massive breakthrough year for the young man who is just one part of a strong side featuring the likes of Oscar Ouma, Dennis Ombachi and brothers Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera.

Dan Norton England As a team England may not have had the best of seasons on the World Series, but Norton’s workrate seldom dipped and his clinical finishing and pace is well documented. He has added more defensive quality to his game to match an almost unparalleled ability to beat men on the outside, as well as working on his kicking game, which he also uses to good effect. The top scorer on the World Series by some distance with 52 and will be good to see him combine with a fit-again Tom Mitchell out wide.

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Vasily Artemyev Russia

Joji Ragamate Fiji

A full-time pro with Northampton Saints in England, Artemyev learnt his rugby in Ireland with Blackrock and Leinster as a teenager and as a result he speaks very good English with a faint IrishRussian accent. His rugby is probably even better, though, and on his return to the side in Glasgow and London he was the stand-out player for the Russians. Powerful with the ball in hand and deceptively quick, he has plenty of experience and is a proven tryscorer.

Ragamate has really burst onto the stage this year with some brilliant match-winning performances, including a telling contribution as the Fijians won the first Cup title of the season the Gold Coast and he has carried on in similar vein, scoring and making tries as Serevi did before him.

Carlin Isles USA Isles burst onto the scene at the start of the season with a personal best over 100 metres of 10.13 seconds but only three months of rugby experience. Between then and now he has lost none of his frightening pace but has added considerable game sense, although he still operates largely as an impact sub off the bench in the second half. Expect the turf to light up when he runs.

Lee Williams Wales A reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champion from four years ago in Dubai, Williams is still going strong as a playmaker and is a key man for Wales.

Most of what they do goes through him and his is the rugby brain that delivers much of coach Paul John’s tactics and gameplan. In that regard there is a lot riding on him as the Welsh set out to defend their World title.

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IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Four years ago in Dubai, 16 countries were part of the first women’s competition on the Rugby World Cup Sevens stage, which ran alongside the men’s event at 7he Sevens.

Australia and China had the honour of playing in the first match and were joined in Pool A by France and the Netherlands.

England, Japan, Russia and USA made up Pool B with Canada, Brazil, Spain and Thailand in Pool C and New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Uganda in Pool D.

The pool standings after day one determined whether a team would compete for the Cup, Plate or Bowl on day two. In the Cup quarter-finals, USA beat France, New Zealand overcame Canada, South Africa beat Spain and Australia upset fancied England. The semi-finals proved close run affairs with New Zealand beating USA 14-12 and Australia defeating South Africa 19-10.

That set up a titanic battle between Australia and New Zealand, one only settled in sudden death extra-time with the Wallaroos being crowned champions after Shelly Matcham’s try sealed a 15-10 victory.

England beat Canada 12-0 to win the Plate, while China edged Brazil 10-7 in the Bowl final. The Russian women reached the semi-finals of the Bowl competition, but saw their hopes of silverware ended with a 17-12 defeat

by Brazil.

The landscape of women’s Sevens has changed dramatically since RWC Sevens 2009 with the undoubted highlight being the introduction of the

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IRB Women’s Sevens World Series in 2012/13, which underscored the International Rugby Board’s commitment to the ongoing growth and development of women’s rugby around the world and provided another significant step on the road to Rio 2016 where Rugby Sevens will make its debut.

With the potential to grow beyond the four initial destinations – Dubai, USA, China and the Netherlands – the Series featured six core teams in Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands, New Zealand and USA who would play in all four rounds. The other six places would be filled by six teams invited based on regional tournament rankings, reflecting the IRB’s strategic aim to mix the top teams in the world with the best up and coming teams from each of the six IRB Regional Associations.

One side to take advantage of their opportunity to play on the Series were RWC Sevens 2013 hosts Russia, who are coached by Pavel Baranovsky. In the opening round in Dubai at the end of November, the Russians were the surprise winners of Pool B after beating the highly-rated Canadians 15-12, drawing 12-12 with eventual champions New Zealand and beating China 27-0. Their challenge ended in the Cup quarter-finals against Spain 7-5, but they recovered to beat the Netherlands and Canada again to win the Plate.

At the beginning of February, Russia again reached the Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Brazil and Japan before a narrow 15-10 loss to Australia in Houston. They lost to their hosts USA there but just as in Dubai the Russian women finished strongly with victories over South Africa and the Netherlands to claim a second Plate.

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Russia did not take part in the third round in China, but they made a real breakthrough at the final round in the Dutch capital Amsterdam in midMay. They did not get off the perfect start with a 17-5 loss to New Zealand, but then did not concede a point in overcoming the host nation and China, scoring 53 points in the process.

It was a case of third time lucky as Russia finally won a Cup quarter-final, beating Australia 19-10. They had trailed 10-0 at the break but tries from Ekaterina Kazakova (2) and Anna Malygina booked their place in the semifinals for the first time. There they met New Zealand again and saw their title hopes ended with a 24-10 defeat, but once again the Russian women reacted positively to a loss and beat England 26-5 to finish third.

This success enabled Russia to finish sixth in the inaugural standings, once place ahead of core team the Netherlands who played in all four rounds. New Zealand were crowned inaugural champions after winning three of the four rounds and finished 14 points clear of England, the winners in Houston. Canada, USA and Australia completed the top five and will all be hoping for glory at RWC Sevens in Moscow, just as the host nation will be.

–– Who are the teams to look out for in the pool phase?

–– We have a pretty tough group and will face France, Japan and England.

France is really disciplined in defence and great going forward. Japan is a smart, busy team and do not make many mistakes. They are very technical. England is also a very technical team, with players who have outstanding individual skills.

–– What has preparation been like?

–– We spend a lot of time training and are pretty much full time in our preparation. We work on all aspects of our game in order that we can continue to improve and compete with the world’s best teams. Defence is key in Sevens as is fitness and of course we spend considerable time on the technical aspects. We work hard because we have very high ambitions.

–– What areas have you achieved most improvements?

–– Our improvements stem from hard work and a collective desire to win for our team, our families and our country. We have worked specifically on our defence and our endurance.

With strong endurance over a two or three day event you are more likely to make the right decisions on the field as you will be less fatigued.

–– The aim for your team is to be in Top-5. Is that a realistic target?

Anastasia Mukhariamova:

«WE ARE READY TO WELCOME THE WORLD» As the captain of the Russian Women’s Sevens team and the most experienced player in the squad, Anastasia Mukhariamova is relishing the opportunity to lead the world’s fifth-ranked team on home soil.

–– I believe that it is. We have worked hard to get to this great event in our capital city in the best form possible. We finished fifth in the IRB Women’s Series and we can kick on at this event and looking further ahead to the Olympic Games. The main thing for us is to believe that we can do it! To get the reward for our hard work is what motivates us to get into the top 5.

–– What do you expect from Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013?

–– It is an exciting opportunity for Rugby in Russia. It will provide u with the platform to showcase Rugby, Women’s Sport and the competitiveness of our team. For the fans it will a memorable festival on and off the field and we hope to show everything that is wonderful about Moscow and Russia.

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SEVEN PLAYERS-WOMEN TO WATCH Kayla McAlister (New Zealand) The former netballer has been one of the real success stories of New Zealand’s Go4Gold recruitment programme, which encouraged women from a variety of sporting backgrounds to consider playing Rugby Sevens. Brother of All Black, Luke, McAlister has taken to the international game instantly and has been a key player for New Zealand all season, with a trademark step added to superb pace and acceleration making her one of the most dangerous attacking players on the circuit. With 12 tries in the World Series this season, expect to see McAlister establish her name as one of New Zealand’s long-term stars.

Baizat Khamidova (Russia) The giant Russian winger has been one of the break-out stars of the first ever IRB Women’s Sevens World Series this season with her strength in contact and excellent pace combining to make her a heavily marked player every time she takes to the field. Try-scoring is a key asset of Khamidova and sister Navrat, who is also a superb player. However, it is Baizat’s physicality which takes her to the next level. When you consider that she is a relative newcomer to rugby, her progress is even more impressive. She will be a key player for the host nation at this Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Patricia Garcia (Spain) Garica’s importance to Spain cannot be understated. As well as being the team’s leader and playmaker, she is also the first choice kicker and line-out thrower. Off the field, Garcia is the face of Spanish women’s rugby and is an ambassador for Barcelona’s Olympic 2020 bid and regularly speaks on behalf of the sport to the media in Spain. She spent two years honing her game in French club rugby and last season helped Lons to their first ever Championship title. That experience has been a huge help as she has returned to play a key role with Spain this season.

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Joanne Watmore (England) Having also represented her country at a Rugby League World Cup, Watmore is a vital player for England with her searing pace marking her out as one of the best finishers in the women’s game.

Watmore is a big game player and rarely ends a match without her name on the score sheet, having been outstanding in important finals this year in Houston, London and Brive on the European circuit. She has also recently made her mark in the 15s game with some excellent performances for England against New Zealand last Autumn, but there is no doubt that Sevens is where she excels.

Jen Kish (Canada)

Kelly van Harskamp (Netherlands)

The standout player for Canada all season, Kish was in timely superb form when she helped her side reach the final of the Amsterdam Sevens recently.

A powerhouse, she is one of the best tackers on the circuit and great footwork also makes her a tricky opponent for defences. It is her leadership, however, that elevates her above others in a fine Canadian team and as a captain she certainly leads by example.

If Kish is fit and on form you can bet Canada will be firing.

With 11 tries to her name on the Women’s Sevens World Series this season, van Harskamp has continued her progress as one of the leading players in the game. Having taken rugby up at a young age, she has impressively risen through the ranks and with a great eye for the try-line is also a fine linking player and is one of the first names on the Netherlands’ team-sheet. She is a key weapon in the full-time Dutch side and if they are to be in the final shake-up at the World Cup they will need their star player to be firing on all cylinders.

Sharni Williams (Australia) The Australian captain is one of the most physical women’s players in the world and her strength is a key asset for the defending World Cup champions.

Williams gave her job up this year to concentrate fully on training for the World Cup and her commitment has paid off as she has been in excellent form all season.

A powerful runner, Williams’ ability to break tackles is complemented by a great off-loading and passing game and her leadership and experience will be important for a young Australian team.

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MOSCOW THE MOSCOW KREMLIN AND RED SQUARE The Moscow Kremlin is the historical centre of the city. The walls and towers of the fortress got its current view in the 17 th century.

Nowadays, the Kremlin serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation and it is surrounded by a number of churches and museums. Visiting the Kremlin is restricted to the museum areas. The eastern part overlooks the most famous square in Russia and perhaps the most globally recognisable aspect of the country – Red Square. Gracing the square is Pokrovsky Cathedral (also known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral), the Middle Trading Rows, GUM (central department store) building, the Kazan Cathedral of Moscow, Gate “Voskresenskye vorota”, leading to Manezhnaya Square and the state historical museum.

Red square is adjoined by Nikolsky, Senatsky and the famous Spassky tower with its iconic chiming clock. On Red Square there are Lobnoye Mesto (place of execution) and the monument to Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin.

Except for special cases, such as a motorcade for high-ranking officials, access through Spassky

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gate is not allowed by vehicles. It is enjoyed mostly by pedestrians – Muscovites and tourists enjoying the sights of this special place.

Next to the Kremlin, in Alexander Garden, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, there is Guard of Honour’s Number One Post – the important ceremonial guard’s post in the country.

MONUMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE Among the city’s many interesting sights it is possible to single out some unique places and buildings which are famous all over the world. Among these are the Bolshoi Theatre, the Museum of the Fine Arts, named for Pushkin, and the Tretyakovskaya Gallery. It is also worth mentioning some monuments of architecture, which are UNESCO world heritage sites. These include the Novodevichy Convent and Estate Kolomenskoye.

Other unique buildings are the Shukhovskaya tower with its hyperboloid design and the Ostankino television tower, which for eight years held the title as the world’s highest building.

MAIN STREET Tverskaya Street is the central thoroughfare of Moscow. The

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street runs from the Kremlin and the central Manege Square right up to Triumphalnaya Square (which used to be named after the great Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky) and continues further as First TverskayaYamskaya Street.

Tverskaya Street is the most expensive shopping street not only in Moscow and Russia but holds its own as one of the most prestigious in all the the world.

Commercial annual rents in the street reach up to $10,000 per square metre.

Evidence suggests Tverskaya Street existed as early as the 12 th century. Since the end of the 15 th century it also connected Moscow and Novgorod. The development of Tverskaya Street started in the centre and reached the citadel walls of so-called Bely Gorod (“White Town” although these days it is а Boulevard ring). After the city’s expansion at the end of 16 th century the street was extended as far as the Bank of Zemlyanoy Gorod (“Earthworks Town”), which is now called Sadovoye koltso. In 1595, spanning the Neglinnaya River there was a stone Voskresensky bridge, which connected Tverskaya Street with Red Square.

Valores del Rugby INTEGRIDAD

La integridad es central para la estructura del Rugby y se genera mediante la honestidad y el juego limpio.

RESPETO El respeto por los compañeros, oponentes, oficiales de partidos y aquellos involucrados en el Juego es esencial.

SOLIDARIDAD El Rugby proporciona un espíritu unificado que conduce a amistades que duran toda la vida, camaradería, trabajo en equipo y lealtad, que trascienden las diferencias culturales, geográficas, políticas y religiosas.

PASIÓN La gente del Rugby tiene un apasionado entusiasmo por el Juego. El Rugby genera entusiasmo, adhesión emocional y sentido de pertenencia a la Familia mundial del Rugby.

DISCIPLINA La disciplina es una parte integral del Juego tanto dentro como fuera de la cancha y está reflejada en la adhesión a las Leyes, Regulaciones y valores centrales del Rugby.

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THE SCHEDULE OF THE «FESTIVAL OF RUGBY» THE SCHEDULE OF THE «FESTIVAL OF RUGBY» AMATEUR TOURNAMENT, 28-29 JUNE (chart field # 1) Number of participants – 24 teams 28 June - beginning at 13.30 stage 1 - group 29 June - beginning at 10.00 2 stage - final matches VETERAN TOURNAMENT, JUNE 28 (on scheme of the field №3) Number of participants –15 teams Beginning at 14.00 THE 2ND ROUND of THE CHAMPIONSHIP of RUSSIA in RUGBY-7, WOMEN, 28-29 JUNE (chart field # 4) Number of participants - 8 teams 28 June - beginning at 14.00 stage 1 - group 29 June - beginning at 10.00 stage 2 - group THE 2ND ROUND of THE CHAMPIONSHIP of RUSSIA in RUGBY-7, MEN, 28-29 JUNE (chart field # 4) Number of participants – 12 teams 28 June - beginning at 14.00 stage 1 - group 29 June - beginning at 10.00 stage 2 - group TOURNAMENT AMONG TEAMS of CHILDREN born in 2001, 29-30 JUNE (on scheme of the field №3 and №5) Number of participants – 24 teams 29 June - beginning at 09.30, Northern sports kernel stage 1 - group 2 stage - final matches 30 June - beginning at 12.27, Big Sports arena 2 stage - final matches, semi-finals and finals) INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH, JUNE 30, (in the diagram field №3) 10.00 - Baltic storm - Team of Moscow (Northern sports kernel)

PARTNERS OF THE RUGBY FEDERATION OF RUSSIA

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1. Международный турнир студенческих любительских команд. 28-29.06 International tournament for amateur student teams. 28-29.06 2. Всероссийские турниры на призы Президента регби России (4 возр группы).

30.06 поле № 5, 0, 7, 9 All-Russia tournament for the Prizes of the President of the Russian Rugby Union (4 age groups). 30.06 Pitches #5, 6, 7, 9 3. Международный турнир по регби-10 среди ветеранов. 28.06 International Rugby-10 Tournament for veterans. 28.06 Международный фестиваль регби (мальчики 2001-2002 г.р.). 29-30.06 International Rugby Festival (boys born in 2001-2002). 29-30.06

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Первенство России по регби-7 юноши -1996 г.р. 28-29.06 Russian Sevens Championships, boys - boms in 1996. 28-29.06 2 тур ЧР по регби-7 мужчины. 28-29.06 Second tour of the Russian National Sevens Championships for Men. 28-29.06 2 тур ЧР по регби-7 женщины. 28-29.06 Second tour of the Russian National Sevens Championships for Women. 28-29.06 Большая спортивная арена Олимпийского комплекса «Лужники» The Big Sports Arena of the Olympic Complex «Luzhniki» Спортивный городок Sport Gorodok

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Cecil Afrika, South Africa IRB Sevens Anti-Doping Ambassador

Doping can ruin you and Rugby.

Join us in the fight against doping Keep Rugby Clean!