Russians plot early rugby invasion

The Russians are planning to invade Marlborough early next year.

The Russian Bears rugby team is coming to stay in Blenheim during next year's Rugby World Cup and may make another visit before that to play at Lansdowne Park against a local selection.

A group of 200 rugby fans from Auckland have already bought ticket packs to follow the Russian team around in the September-October tournament as their second choice behind the All Blacks.

Russian Rugby Union director of rugby Steve Diamond, who was in Blenheim today on a reconnaissance mission, said he was thrilled with that response and was hoping Marlborough rugby fans would also support the team.

Mr Diamond, a one-match England international, said: "We have a native of New Zealand with us. Henry Paul is our backs coach. Hopefully we can draw support from that. We will be underdogs at the World Cup and everyone here will support the All Blacks as their No1 team. They are a fantastic team, but they can support us as their No2 team."

Marlborough's rugby fraternity could also host Russia before the World Cup begins. Mr Diamond said the team was coming to New Zealand in January as part of their build-up and hoped to stay in Marlborough for a week and play a match. They will also play South Canterbury in Timaru.

The Russian delegation in Marlborough today comprised Mr Diamond and Russian rugby general manager Zorik Masandilov plus Rugby World Cup 2011 team services manager Richard Newsome and Enda Connolly, team services director for the International Rugby Board.

The delegation was looking over Lansdowne Park, Athletic Park and Marlborough Lines Stadium this morning before heading to Nelson.

- The Marlborough Express

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