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{{short description|none}}
{{Infobox rugby league representative team
{{Infobox rugby league representative team
| Name = Russia
| Name = Russia
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| Top scorer =
| Top scorer =
| Home Stadium = [[Naro-Fominsk]]
| Home Stadium = [[Naro-Fominsk]]
| RLIF Rank = 20
| RLIF Rank = 45
| pattern_la1=_navylower|pattern_b1=_thindkbluesides|pattern_ra1=_navylower
| pattern_la1=_navylower|pattern_b1=_thindkbluesides|pattern_ra1=_navylower
| leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=FFFFFF|socks1=FF0000
| leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=FFFFFF|socks1=FF0000
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| World cup best = Group Stages, [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000]]
| World cup best = Group Stages, [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000]]
}}
}}
The '''Russia national rugby league team''' (also known as '''The Bears''') represent [[Russia]] in [[:Category:Rugby league international tournaments|international rugby league tournaments]] and other rugby league fixtures. The Bears, played their first fixtures against two [[United Kingdom|British]] club sides: [[York Wasps]] and [[London Broncos#1980–1991: Fulham R.L.F.C.|Fulham RLFC]]. In 2013, Russia became a full member of the [[Rugby League International Federation]].
The '''Russia national rugby league team''', nicknamed ''The Bears'' ({{langx|ru|Медведи}}), represents [[Russia]] in [[:Category:Rugby league international tournaments|international rugby league tournaments]] and other rugby league fixtures.

The national team formed in 1991, with their first international against {{rlnt|FRA}} a few months later.<ref>https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/dates/27-october-1991/france-vs-russia.html</ref> The team, under the governance of the [[Russian Rugby League Federation]] gained observer status with the [[Rugby League International Federation]] in 1993, before being promoted to affiliate member ahead of the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]] and gaining full membership a three years later.

In 2010, Russia was expelled for a series of rule breaches and readmitted under the [[Association of Rugby League Clubs]], they regained full member status three years later.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 October 2013|title=Rugby League's international body RLIF has welcomed Russia, Ukraine and Jamaica to full membership.|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/rlif-welcomes-russia-ukraine-jamaica|publisher=SBS|accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> After the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the [[International Rugby League]] and [[European Rugby League]] suspended Russia's membership thus preventing them from competing in all international rugby league competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/russia-banned-from-international-rugby-league-competitions-3591963|title = Russia banned from international rugby league competitions}}</ref> They were later downgrade to affiliate status.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 March 2024|title=IRL Membership: Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Scotland Reclassified|url=https://www.intrl.sport/news/irl-membership-ireland-italy-lebanon-scotland-reclassified/|publisher=[[International Rugby League|IRL]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416022855/https://www.intrl.sport/news/irl-membership-ireland-italy-lebanon-scotland-reclassified/ |access-date=15 March 2024|archive-date=2024-04-16 }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===1990s===
===1990s===
The Russia Bears were formed in 1991 for a tour of two English teams, the [[York Wasps]] and [[London Broncos#1980–1991: Fulham R.L.F.C.|Fulham RLFC]].
The Russia Bears were formed in 1991 for a tour of two English teams, the [[York Wasps]] and [[London Broncos#1980–1991: Fulham R.L.F.C.|Fulham RLFC]].{{fact|date=March 2022}} The Bears played their first overseas match in 1991 against the [[France national rugby league team|French national team]] at the Stade Georges Lyvet, [[Villeurbanne]] on Sunday, 27 October 1991. The Bears were beaten 26-6 by France. Later that year, the Bears toured [[South Africa]] to play a three-match series against [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]].{{fact|date=March 2022}} The following year, the team participated in the 1995 [[Rugby League Emerging Nations World Championship]].<ref name="ABC16Nov24">https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104606688</ref>

The Bears played their first overseas match in 1991 against the [[France national rugby league team|French national team]] at the Stade Georges Lyvet, [[Villeurbanne]] on Sunday, 27 October 1991. The Bears were beaten 26-6 by France. Later that year, the Bears toured [[South Africa]] to play a three-match series against [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]].

France continued to assist the game in the former Soviet Union by touring in 1993, winning 30-14 in [[Moscow]] against the Bears and 34-14 against Moldova.

1994 was the most important year to date for the Bears, marking their first international victory against the [[United States national rugby league team|USA Tomahawks]], in [[San Francisco]]. In 1995, Russia competed in the [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament]] but only won one game during the tournament, defeating the Americans 28-26.

Overseas teams would not return to Russia until 1998, when a youth tournament was held in [[Moscow]]. The Bears would have to wait until 2000 to play another international, when they played France in the lead-up to the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]].


===2000s===
===2000s===
The 2000 RLWC provided the Bears with the opportunity to compete with the international heavyweights of rugby league: England and Australia. Also in their group was Fiji, who the Bears played first up in Barrow. Led by [[Sydney Roosters]] prop [[Ian Rubin]], who was born in Odessa, Ukraine, the Bears were involved in a tight struggle and it was Fijian captain, winger [[Lote Tuquri]], who proved to be the difference between the two sides, with Fiji winning 38-12. The next two games were against opponents who proved to be beyond the Russians, with two big defeats at the hands of the [[England national rugby league team|English national team]] and a record 110-4 defeat by the [[Australia national rugby league team|Australians]].
Russia gained affiliate member status with the [[Rugby League International Federation]] in 2000 allowing them automatic qualification to the expanded [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]]. Russia was drawn into a group with {{rlnt|AUS}}, {{rlnt|ENG}}, and {{rlnt|FIJ}}, and were captained by [[Sydney Roosters]] prop [[Ian Rubin]], who was born in [[Odesa]], [[Soviet Union]]. Rubin was one of two [[National Rugby League|NRL]] experienced players in the world cup squad; the other being [[Robert Campbell (rugby league)|Robert Campbell]] who had played for [[Gold Coast Chargers]]. Russia lost all three group games, losing their opener to Fiji in [[Barrow-in-Furness]] 38–12, before back to back defeats in [[Kingston-upon-Hull]] to England and Australia, 76–4 and 110–4 respectively. The latter of these results is the largest defeat in test rugby league.<ref name="ABC16Nov24" />


In 2002, Russia hosted the {{rlnt|USA}} in a test match at the [[Luzhniki Stadium]] in front of 30,000 spectators.<ref name="ABC16Nov24" />
In 2002, Russia hosted Moscow's first rugby league international. The match was shown in full on national television, and was the first rugby league international to be played on artificial turf. Their opponents, the USA Tomahawks, were outclassed by the Bears to the tune of 54-10, in front of a crowd bordering 30,000.


The Russian side went on a four-match tour of New Zealand's south island in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news
The Russian side went on a four-match tour of New Zealand's south island in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news
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|date=13 April 2004
|date=13 April 2004
|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_13-4-2004_pg2_28
|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_13-4-2004_pg2_28
|accessdate=1 January 2011
|access-date=1 January 2011
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022082454/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_13-4-2004_pg2_28
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022082454/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_13-4-2004_pg2_28
|archivedate=22 October 2012
|archive-date=22 October 2012
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


In 2006, Russia were involved in Europe Round One, defeating [[Netherlands national rugby league team]] and [[Serbia national rugby league team]] to finish second and keep their World Cup dream alive. They then went through to Europe Round Two in Europe Pool Two with [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] and [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]]. Russia lost all 4 games against them and did not qualify on those grounds. [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] qualified as group winners to go through to the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup|2008 World Cup]], with the runner up [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] entering the Repecharge round.
In 2006, Russia were involved in Europe Round One, defeating [[Netherlands national rugby league team]] and [[Serbia national rugby league team]] to finish second and keep their World Cup dream alive. They then went through to Europe Round Two in Europe Pool Two with [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] and [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]]. Russia lost all 4 games against them and did not qualify on those grounds.{{fact|date=March 2022}}

In 2008, the Bears competed in the first-ever [[RLEF Euro Med Challenge]], competing against [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]] and [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]]. They won both games and emerged as victors of the competition.


===2010s===
===2010s===
In 2010, after a year out of competition, the Bears competed in the [[Rugby League European Shield]], topping the table after wins against Ukraine and Latvia.
In 2010, after a year out of competition, the Bears competed in the [[Rugby League European Shield]], topping the table after wins against Ukraine and Latvia.{{fact|date=March 2022}} In 2011 Russia were involved in the [[2013 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe|European qualifying group]] that featured Russia themselves, [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]], [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]], and [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]]. They lost both of their games against Italy and Lebanon ultimately ending their dreams for a second world cup tournament.{{fact|date=March 2022}} In 2012-2013, the Bears competed in the [[Rugby League European Shield]] winning five games out of six to take the shield.{{fact|date=March 2022}}


Russia participated in the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifying|qualification]] for the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup]]. In the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe|final round of qualification]], Russia took on Spain at Fili Stadium in Moscow, and Ireland in Bray, in a bid to qualify for their second World Cup appearance.{{fact|date=March 2022}}
In 2011 Russia were involved in the [[2013 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe|European qualifying group]] that featured Russia themselves, [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]], [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]], and [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]]. They lost both of their games against Italy and Lebanon ultimately ending their dreams for a second world cup tournament. On the flip side, Russia beat Serbia to finish third in the group, resulting in the Bears avoiding a winless qualifying campaign.


===2020s===
In 2012-2013, the Bears competed in the [[Rugby League European Shield]] winning five games out of six to take the shield.


After the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the [[International Rugby League]] and [[European Rugby League]] banned Russia from all international rugby league competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/russia-banned-from-international-rugby-league-competitions-3591963|title = Russia banned from international rugby league competitions}}</ref>
Russia participated in the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifying|qualification]] for the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup]]. The first stage of qualifying involved having to finish in the top 3 in their [[2014–15 European Shield]] competition. Russia qualified for the 'final qualification tournament' after finishing the European Shield in second position. In the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe|final round of qualification]], Russia took on Spain at Fili Stadium in Moscow, and Ireland in Bray, in a bid to qualify for their second World Cup appearance.


==Competitive Record==
==Players==
{{main|List of Russia national rugby league team results}}
:''For all past and present players who have appeared for the national team, see [[:Category:Russia national rugby league team players|Russia national rugby league team players]].''
===Overall===

Below is table of the official representative rugby league matches played by Russia at test level up until 6 October 2021:
===Current squad===
Squad selected for the [[2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifying|2021 World Cup qualifying fixtures]];<ref>https://www.rugbyleagueplanet.com/2021-rlwc/russia-serbia-and-spain-name-squads-for-rlwc-qualifiers Russia Squad</ref>
*Nikolai Zagoskin
*Iustin Petrushka
*Kirill Bozhko
*Sergei Muntian
*Kirill Kosharin
*Petr Botnarash
*Ivan Troitskii
*Igor Abramov
*Vladislav Lesnikov
*Denis Tiulenev
*Dmitrii Leskov
*Aleksandr Lysokon
*Alexandr Naumov
*Dmitry Bratko
*Viacheslav Eremin
*Viktor Ariutkin
*Andrey Kuznetsov
*Ilia Danilov
*Pavel Mrachkovskii
*Denis Chuprin
*Igor Chupin
*Boris Voloskov
*Sergey Konstantinov
*Sergei Zhigan
*Anton Kuklin
*Evgenii Orlov
*Andrei Lavrushin
*Andrei Perin
*Nikita Kuznetsov
*Dmitrii Tarasenkov
*Aleskei Leonov
*Egor Shustov
*Ivan Kazantsev
*Vsevolod Gusev

==Tournament history==
Russia has participated in:
* [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament|Emerging Nations Tournament]] (1995)
* [[Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] (2000)
* [[Rugby League World Sevens|World Sevens]] (1992 as the "Red Arrows", 1994-2003)
* [[Victory Cup]] (2003, 2004)

==Record==
Below is table of the official representative rugby league matches played by Russia at test level up until 2012:
{| class="sortable wikitable"
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 129: Line 79:
| {{rl|Fiji}} || 2000 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2000
| {{rl|Fiji}} || 2000 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2000
|-
|-
| {{rl|Germany}} || 2012 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2012
| {{rl|Germany}} || 2012 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2013
|-
|-
| {{rl|Ireland}} || 2004 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 2007
| {{rl|Georgia (country)}} || 2008 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2008
|-
|-
| {{rl|Italy}} || 2011 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2011
| {{rl|Ireland}} || 2004 || 4 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 2016
|-
| {{rl|Italy}} || 2011 || 6 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 2016
|-
|-
| {{rl|Latvia}} || 2010 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2010
| {{rl|Latvia}} || 2010 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2010
Line 141: Line 93:
| {{rl|Netherlands}} || 2006 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2006
| {{rl|Netherlands}} || 2006 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2006
|-
|-
| {{rl|Ukraine}} || 2010 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2011
| {{rl|Scotland}} || 1995 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1992
|-
|-
| {{rl|USA}} || 1994 || 5 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 2004
| {{rl|Serbia}} || 2006 || 8 || 6 || 0 || 2 || 2021
|-
|-
| {{rl|Scotland}} || 1995 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1992
| {{rl|South Africa}} || 1992 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 1992
|-
|-
| {{rl|Serbia}} || 2006 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2008
| {{rl|Spain}} || 2016 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2018
|-
|-
| {{rl|South Africa}} || 1992 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 1992
| {{rl|Ukraine}} || 2010 || 5 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 2021
|-
| {{rl|USA}} || 1994 || 5 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 2004
|-
|-
| {{rl|Wales}} || 2003 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2003
| {{rl|Wales}} || 2003 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2003
|-
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| '''Total''' || '''1994''' || '''22''' || '''15''' || '''0''' || '''7''' || ''''''
! style="text-align:left;"| Total || 1992 || 41 || 26 || 0 || 14 ||
|}
|}


==Results and fixtures==
==IRL Rankings==
:''For all past match results, see the team's [[Russia national rugby league team results|results page]].''
{{RLIF World Rankings|Russia}}
{{RLIF World Rankings|Russia}}
* Russia def. [[Ukraine national rugby league team|Ukraine]] 24-18 (24 May 2014) (European Championship B)
* Russia def. [[Germany national rugby league team|Germany]] 30-0 (August 10, 2013) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] def. Russia 38-18 (29 June 2013) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* Russia def. [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]] 24-10 (May 25, 2013) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* Russia def. [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]] 21-20 (September 22, 2012) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* Russia def. [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] 32-18 (8 September 2012) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* Russia def. [[Germany national rugby league team|Germany]] 32-26 (19 May 2012) [[RLEF European Shield]]
* [[Italy national rugby league team|Italy]] def. Russia 92-6 (15 October 2011) [[2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifying]], Europe Division
* Russia def. Ukraine 34-6 (10 September 2011)
* Russia def. [[Latvia national rugby league team|Latvia]] 54-4 (31 July 2010) [[RLEF European Shield|European Shield West]]
* Russia def. [[Ukraine national rugby league team|Ukraine]] 64-14 (27 June 2010) [[RLEF European Shield|European Shield West]]
* Russia def. [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] 80-0 (September 28, 2008) [[RLEF Euro Med Challenge]]
* Russia def. [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]] 30-4 (September 20, 2008) [[RLEF Euro Med Challenge]]
* [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] def. Russia 48-0 (27 October 2007)
* [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] def. Russia 58-18 (20 October 2007)
* [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] def. Russia 22-8 (28 October 2006)
* [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] def. Russia 50-12(22 October 2006)
* Russia def. [[Serbia national rugby league team|Serbia]] 44-6 (4 June 2006)
* Russia def. [[Netherlands national rugby league team|Netherlands]] 40-14 (28 April 2006)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. Russia 80-0 (15 October 2005)
* [[England national rugby league team#England A|England A]] def. Russia (24 October 2004)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. Russia 58-10 (16 October 2004)
* Russia def. [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] 64-6 (16 May 2004)
* Russia def. [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 64-8 (12 May 2004)
* [[England national rugby league team#England A|England A]] def. Russia 102-0 (2 November 2003)
* [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] def. Russia 74-4 (26 October 2003)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. Russia 29-12 (9 May 2003)
* Russia def. [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 44-12 (6 May 2003)
* Russia def. [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 54-10 (13 September 2002)
* [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] def. Russia 110-4 (4 November 2000) [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]]
* [[England national rugby league team|England]] def. Russia 76-4 (1 November 2000) [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]]
* [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]] def. Russia 38-12 (29 October 2000) [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]]
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. Russia 82-0 (3 July 2000)
* Russia def. [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 28-26 (20 October 1995)
* [[Cook Islands national rugby league team|Cook Islands]] def. Russia 58-4 (18 October 1995)
* [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]] def. Russia 34-9 (16 October 1995)
* Russia def. [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 19-12 (1994)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. Russia 30-14 (1993)

COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES (CIS):
* CIS def. [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]] 22-19 (1992)
* CIS def. [[South Africa national rugby league team|South Africa]] 30-26 (1992)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. CIS 38-4 (1992)
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. CIS 28-8 (1992)

SOVIET UNION (USSR):
* [[France national rugby league team|France]] def. USSR 26-6 (1991)


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Russia|Sports}}
{{Portal|Russia|Sports}}
* [[Rugby league in Russia]]
* [[Rugby league in Russia]]
* [[Russia women's national rugby league team]]
* [[Victory Cup]]
* [[Rugby League European Nations Cup|European Nations Cup]]
* [[Rugby League European Nations Cup|European Nations Cup]]
* [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament|Emerging Nations Tournament]]
* [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament|Emerging Nations Tournament]]
Line 222: Line 126:
*{{Official website|http://www.rrlf.ru/}}
*{{Official website|http://www.rrlf.ru/}}
*{{Facebook|russiarl}}
*{{Facebook|russiarl}}
*[https://europeanrugbyleague.com/teams/15 Russia]: ''European Rugby League''


{{Rugby League in Russia}}
{{Rugby League in Russia}}
{{Rugby League European Federation}}
{{Rugby League European Federation}}
{{International rugby league results}}
{{International Rugby League}}
{{International Rugby League}}
{{National sports teams of Russia}}
{{National sports teams of Russia}}


[[Category:Russia national rugby league team|*]]
[[Category:Russia national rugby league team| ]]

Latest revision as of 23:13, 19 November 2024

Russia
Badge of Russia team
Team information
NicknameThe Bears
Governing bodyRussian Rugby League
RegionEurope
Head coachDenis Korolev
CaptainSergey Konstantinov
Home stadiumNaro-Fominsk
IRL ranking45th
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First international
 France 26–6 USSR Soviet Union
(Villeurbanne, France; September 1991)
Biggest win
 Lebanon 0–80 Russia 
(Moscow, Russia; 28 September 2008)
Biggest defeat
 Australia 110–4 Russia 
(Hull, England; 4 November 2000)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first time in 2000)
Best resultGroup Stages, 2000

The Russia national rugby league team, nicknamed The Bears (Russian: Медведи), represents Russia in international rugby league tournaments and other rugby league fixtures.

The national team formed in 1991, with their first international against France a few months later.[1] The team, under the governance of the Russian Rugby League Federation gained observer status with the Rugby League International Federation in 1993, before being promoted to affiliate member ahead of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and gaining full membership a three years later.

In 2010, Russia was expelled for a series of rule breaches and readmitted under the Association of Rugby League Clubs, they regained full member status three years later.[2] After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Rugby League and European Rugby League suspended Russia's membership thus preventing them from competing in all international rugby league competitions.[3] They were later downgrade to affiliate status.[4]

History

[edit]

1990s

[edit]

The Russia Bears were formed in 1991 for a tour of two English teams, the York Wasps and Fulham RLFC.[citation needed] The Bears played their first overseas match in 1991 against the French national team at the Stade Georges Lyvet, Villeurbanne on Sunday, 27 October 1991. The Bears were beaten 26-6 by France. Later that year, the Bears toured South Africa to play a three-match series against South Africa.[citation needed] The following year, the team participated in the 1995 Rugby League Emerging Nations World Championship.[5]

2000s

[edit]

Russia gained affiliate member status with the Rugby League International Federation in 2000 allowing them automatic qualification to the expanded 2000 Rugby League World Cup. Russia was drawn into a group with Australia, England, and Fiji, and were captained by Sydney Roosters prop Ian Rubin, who was born in Odesa, Soviet Union. Rubin was one of two NRL experienced players in the world cup squad; the other being Robert Campbell who had played for Gold Coast Chargers. Russia lost all three group games, losing their opener to Fiji in Barrow-in-Furness 38–12, before back to back defeats in Kingston-upon-Hull to England and Australia, 76–4 and 110–4 respectively. The latter of these results is the largest defeat in test rugby league.[5]

In 2002, Russia hosted the United States in a test match at the Luzhniki Stadium in front of 30,000 spectators.[5]

The Russian side went on a four-match tour of New Zealand's south island in 2004.[6]

In 2006, Russia were involved in Europe Round One, defeating Netherlands national rugby league team and Serbia national rugby league team to finish second and keep their World Cup dream alive. They then went through to Europe Round Two in Europe Pool Two with Ireland and Lebanon. Russia lost all 4 games against them and did not qualify on those grounds.[citation needed]

2010s

[edit]

In 2010, after a year out of competition, the Bears competed in the Rugby League European Shield, topping the table after wins against Ukraine and Latvia.[citation needed] In 2011 Russia were involved in the European qualifying group that featured Russia themselves, Italy, Serbia, and Lebanon. They lost both of their games against Italy and Lebanon ultimately ending their dreams for a second world cup tournament.[citation needed] In 2012-2013, the Bears competed in the Rugby League European Shield winning five games out of six to take the shield.[citation needed]

Russia participated in the qualification for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. In the final round of qualification, Russia took on Spain at Fili Stadium in Moscow, and Ireland in Bray, in a bid to qualify for their second World Cup appearance.[citation needed]

2020s

[edit]

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Rugby League and European Rugby League banned Russia from all international rugby league competitions.[7]

Competitive Record

[edit]
Main article: List of Russia national rugby league team results

Overall

[edit]

Below is table of the official representative rugby league matches played by Russia at test level up until 6 October 2021:

Team First Played Played Win Draw Loss Last Meeting
 Australia 2000 1 0 0 1 2000
 Cook Islands 1995 1 0 0 1 1995
 England 2000 3 0 0 3 2004
 France 1991 8 0 0 8 2005
 Fiji 2000 1 0 0 1 2000
 Germany 2012 2 2 0 0 2013
 Georgia 2008 2 2 0 0 2008
 Ireland 2004 4 1 0 3 2016
 Italy 2011 6 2 0 4 2016
 Latvia 2010 1 1 0 0 2010
 Lebanon 2006 3 1 0 2 2008
 Netherlands 2006 1 1 0 0 2006
 Scotland 1995 1 0 0 1 1992
 Serbia 2006 8 6 0 2 2021
 South Africa 1992 2 2 0 0 1992
 Spain 2016 2 2 0 0 2018
 Ukraine 2010 5 4 0 1 2021
 United States 1994 5 5 0 0 2004
 Wales 2003 1 0 0 1 2003
Total 1992 41 26 0 14

IRL Rankings

[edit]
IRL Men's World Rankings
Official rankings as of December 2024
Rank Change Team Pts %
1 Steady  Australia 100
2 Steady  New Zealand 86
3 Steady  England 84
4 Increase 1  Tonga 63
5 Decrease 1  Samoa 54
6 Increase 1  Papua New Guinea 53
7 Decrease 1  Fiji 44
8 Steady  France 30
9 Increase 2  Serbia 23
10 Steady  Cook Islands 22
11 Increase 1  Netherlands 22
12 Increase 5  Wales 18
13 Increase 2  Malta 17
14 Increase 6  Ukraine 13
15 Decrease 1  Greece 12
16 Decrease 7  Lebanon 12
17 Decrease 4  Italy 11
18 Decrease 2  Ireland 9
19 Decrease 1  Jamaica 8
20 Increase 1  Czech Republic 8
21 Increase 2  Chile 8
22 Decrease 3  Scotland 7
23 Increase 4  Philippines 7
24 Increase 7  United States 7
25 Decrease 1  Poland 5
26 Increase 2  South Africa 5
27 Decrease 5  Germany 5
28 Decrease 3  Norway 5
29 Increase 4  Brazil 4
30 Decrease 4  Kenya 4
31 Increase 10  Canada 4
32 Steady  Montenegro 4
33 Increase 2  North Macedonia 3
34 Increase 15  Argentina 3
35 Increase 5  Albania 2
36 Steady  Bulgaria 2
37 Decrease 7  Ghana 2
38 Decrease 9  Nigeria 2
39 Decrease 5  Turkey 1
40 Decrease 3  Cameroon 1
41 Decrease 2  Japan 1
42 Decrease 4  Spain 1
43 Decrease 1  Colombia 1
44 Decrease 1  El Salvador 0
45 Steady  Russia 0
46 Increase 1  Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
47 Increase 3  Hong Kong 0
48 Increase 3  Solomon Islands 0
49 Increase 8  Vanuatu 0
50 Steady  Niue 0
51 Decrease 1  Latvia 0
52 Increase 2  Denmark 0
53 Increase 2  Belgium 0
54 Decrease 4  Estonia 0
55 Decrease 9  Sweden 0
56 Decrease 12  Morocco 0
48 Decrease 9  Hungary 0
Complete rankings at INTRL.SPORT

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/dates/27-october-1991/france-vs-russia.html
  2. ^ "Rugby League's international body RLIF has welcomed Russia, Ukraine and Jamaica to full membership". SBS. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Russia banned from international rugby league competitions".
  4. ^ "IRL Membership: Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Scotland Reclassified". IRL. 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-04-16. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  5. ^ a b c https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104606688
  6. ^ AP (13 April 2004). "Russia lose to New Zealand side". Daily Times. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  7. ^ "Russia banned from international rugby league competitions".
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