Russia approach future rugby league endeavours with renewed optimism

They may have had some tough times in developing rugby league in the past, but things are now moving in the right direction – as rugby league in Russia will approach their development with both purpose and optimism.

The Association of Rugby League Clubs (ARLK), have been in charge of the game of rugby league in Russia since 2010, with President Edgard Taturyan commenting on the game of rugby league in Russia from the last year.

“Our annual conference demonstrated that in the new ARLK structure we have switched from crisis management to creative work,” said Taturyan.

With rugby league on the rise in Russia, evidenced by six new senior teams playing the sport, as well as 78% increase in the number of 13-a-side games played at open age level, the future looks bright for Russian rugby league.

Domestic rugby league is not the only thing on the agenda, however, with international fixtures for the national side in full swing.

“Our priority in 2013 will be to regain Russian rugby league’s Full Member status of both the RLEF and the RLIF,” continued Taturyan.

“We also aim to restore the legal status of the sport in the Russian State Registry of Sports, where we are being more favourably received, in the new year.”