Russia's Alexander Gvozdovskiy (credit: Helge Schutz)

With three qualification matches remaining, Russia holds a real chance of achieving its first ever berth at a Rugby World Cup...

Despite clocking the record in 1978 for the coldest recorded Rugby match (-23° Celsius), Russia is emerging as a new force in international Rugby and a possible contender for the Europe 2 qualification spot for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The first Rugby match was played in Russia in 1884, but Rugby struggled for recognition under Soviet rule and Russia did not play its first international match until 1992, when it beat the Barbarians 27-23.

In the following decade, the Game has grown dramatically and Russia is currently ranked 17th in the IRB World Rankings ahead of European rivals Georgia (18th) and Romania (19th).

While the sport remains relatively minor, the country now boasts 105 clubs, close to 20,000 players and its own 12-team professional competition. The Professional Rugby League receives weekly television coverage (although it is still not broadcast live) and hosts crowds of up to 10,000 for major matches.

Said IRB Chief Executive Mike Miller "Rugby in Russia is definitely going from strength to strength. The men's and women's national teams continue to impress in both Sevens and Fifteens, while increased crowd numbers show the true appetite for a sport that continues to reach out to new young players and fans."

Over the past few years, Russia has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the Game by building a national state-of-the-art Rugby Academy and submitting a bid to host Rugby World Cup 2019, which was eventually won by Japan.

"Russia has been working hard to secure its place on the world Rugby stage both on and off the field. If Russia can qualify for RWC 2011 it will be a huge boost for the country and will extend the appeal of the Tournament and the Game even further," added Miller.

Russia competes regularly in the European Nations Cup (ENC) and achieved third place finishes in 2001 and 2002. It underlined its improvement in 2007, when it edged up into second place.

The Russians came close to RWC qualification in 2007, but after a heavy loss to Italy (7-67) and a closer match against Portugal (23-26), it was knocked out of contention for the Tournament.

In the RWC 2011 qualification round, the team, under Coach Nikolay Nerush, faces a tough challenge from the unbeaten Georgians. However Russia retains a real chance to take the Europe 2 qualification spot if it can secure second place in the ENC.

Russia has three remaining qualification matches against Romania on February 27, Germany on March 3 and Georgia on March 20 to determine its RWC 2011 fate.

The Russians have secured recent wins over Germany, Portugal and Spain, and if their form continues in the final three matches, RWC 2011 could welcome a new team into its fold and see an exciting new development in world Rugby.

Qualifying round - Russia