14 December 2002 11:00
Russians coming to Hull;Rugby league
HULL will stage a piece of rugby league history when Strella Kazan becomes the first Russian side to play in the
Challenge Cup. The second round rarely throws up ties of any note but Kazan's clash with Embassy, of the Hull
League, at Hull Kingston Rovers' Craven Park gives the competition's new sponsors, TXU Energi, an early
bonus.
The RFL's decision to extend an invitation to two Russian sides -the stronger Moscow Locomotiv will be in
Wednesday's third-round draw, along with four French clubs -follows a trend of opening up the English game to
European clubs. A French club is expected to join Super League in 2004.
Kazan, the capital of the semi-autonomous republic of Tartastan, 600 miles east of Moscow, played at Craven Park this
year, when they lost 40-14 to Hull KR. But they are rated in the same class as leading National Conference teams and
their appearance after warm-weather training in Dubai is expected to push the crowd up towards 2,500.
Embassy, who normally play in front of a handful of spectators, are offering free tickets to Russian seamen in the
city and part of the match programme has been written in Russian with the help of Hull University. Steve Taylor, the
Embassy secretary, said: "The whole city has really come alive this week. Everyone is talking about the
game."
David Oxley, the former secretary of the RFL, who forged the original link with Russia in 1990, said: "The
Russians are very resourceful in terms of raising money and sponsorship. All they want is to be taken seriously and be
given competition."
England Academy completed a series victory over the Australian Under-18 Schoolboys by winning 22-12 at Headingley
last night, after their victory at St Helens last Sunday.
It was the first time they have beaten Australia since the sides first met in 1972. After Chris Melling, of Wigan,
contributed a try and three goals, Mike Gregory, the England Academy coach said: "This is a sign of things to
come."
[UKIR [UK & Ireland Intelligence Wire]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
