Russia win less at RWC 2011

Russia returned home from the Rugby World Cup in new Zealand 2011 win-less but with a dramatic improvement in their play. Showing that they will be a force in the future and probably qualify for 2015 in England. They came out bottom of pool 'C', but lost a narrow battle with the USA and did better than many expected against Australia, Ireland and Italy. Landing tries in all bar the USA game. Watch out for them progressing in the Sevens game as well as the 15's.

Russia, as European Nations Cup runners up, qualify as Europe 2 to set up a tantalising clash with the USA in their first ever Rugby World Cup match, with Australia, Ireland and Italy their other Pool C opponents in New Zealand 2011.

Russia founded in 1992

Russia is one of the younger nations and on a fast track into the higher levels of rugby. They were founded in 1992 playing their first international match against a Barbarians team in June 1992 though they did have a winning start 27-23. Like most of the Eastern European teams they have a powerful pack and will give a good account of themselves though unlikely to secure any victories from their pool games.

Red Shirts

Russia have new shirts in time for the World Cup in 2011. The home shirt keeps the traditional colours and is red with white piping. The shirt also features the slim fit style and a low profile collar. The shirt manufactured by Canterbury can be seen and purchased through the Russian Shirts page.

Russia play their home game in strip of red shirts, with white shorts and red socks. The away strip is blue shirts and shorts with red socks.

Russia will find it tough to Win One Game in Pool 'C'

Currently ranked 19th in the IRB's world rankings, Russia are one of the nations that are developing quickly in both the 15 man and 7's games. However they have stiff opposition in the pool and the Americas 2 is their best chance for victory.

Russia News

RWC: Australia charge into quarter finals - Australia have qualified for the Rugby World Cup quarter finals with easy 68-22 victory over Russia in Nelson on Saturday

RWC: Match preview: Australia - Russia - POOL C - AUSTRALIA vs RUSSIA Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Saturday 1st Oct 3:30pm (NZT) Head-to-head: First meeting Team news: The injury worries facing the Australian team have become so bad that Robbie Deans has been forced to play flanker Radike Samo on the wing

RWC: Match preview: Ireland - Russia - POOL C - IRELAND vs RUSSIA Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, Sunday 25th Sep 6pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 1, Ireland 1, Russia 0 Last meeting: Ireland 35 beat Russia 3 in Kazan 2002 Last meeting at a World Cup: First meeting Team news: Declan Kidney has made nine changes from the side that beat Australia

RWC: Match preview: Italy - Russia - POOL C - ITALY vs RUSSIA Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Tuesday 20th Sep 7:30pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 3, Italy 3, Russia 0 Last meeting: Italy 67 beat Russia 7 in Moscow 2006 Last meeting at a World Cup: First meeting Team news: Italy have made so many changes that it would be easier to name the players that have retained their place in the side

USA edge Russia in tight affair - The USA have beaten Russia 13-6 in an enthralling match in New Plymouth on Thursday night