In keeping with the Russian theme for the week, other Russian players to stand out at the World Cup were Victor Gresev, the athletic Bears Number 8 and 'Man of the Match' against both Italy and Australia at RWC 2011, and hardman hooker Vladislav Korshunov, captain of the Russian XV.
The two giant forwards were recently signed by London Wasps to cover for injuries until the end of the season, continuing the trend of Bears players signed by Premiership clubs started by Wing Vasily Artemyev, who justified the English game's faith in Russia's rising stars by notching up a hat-trick on debut against Saracens in the 2011/12 LV= Cup.
Gresev, in particular, has an athletic, ball-carrying style of play that will excite most fans of skilful, running rugby and looks like he could hold his own in any of the major club competitions. Watch highlights of Gresev's highly-rated World Cup campaign below. But, please, forgive the music.
Position: Number 8
HT: 185cm
WT: 105kg
DOB: March 31, 1986
POB: St. Petersburg, Russia
Club: London Wasps
It's not all good news for Russian players on the international scene though. Russian rugby blog, Rugby Day, reports (in Russian) that fly-half Yuri Kushnarev, previously on trial with the Melbourne Rebels has returned with "mixed feelings" to his homeland after failing to find a club in the Sydney Premier League.
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