Alexander Pervukhin: “The Russian national rugby team should exist, but in what format?

The head coach Russian national team Rugby player Alexander Pervukhin commented on the results of the test match against the Russian Barbarians (21:25) and spoke about his future.

– Firstly, we showed character, played well in defense, showed dedication. We lacked skill, composure, whether in the middle or at the end of the first half, when we had real chances to try. They didn’t work on the corridors, they lost a lot of them. Let’s say this: the opponent took advantage of our mistakes, but that’s not surprising. Thanks to Samara for the warm welcome, and to the team for not leaving the room at the end of a difficult year. Apparently our coaching idea didn’t completely work out. We made more mistakes in moments when we should have scored points. The result is natural. The opponent’s second attempt was a mistake by our midfielder. The corridor was also incomprehensible. For some reason, not a single player was on the short side; it is now difficult to say who it should have been.

—There were rumors that this would be your last match, is that true?

— The question does not concern me. The Russian national team will play a match like this once a season at best. Today I am not going to leave, there is a conversation with the upcoming management, a conversation about how we will live further. The Russian national team should exist, but in what format? If we don’t make international contacts over the next year, what’s the point of bringing all these adults together? Then younger and more promising coaches should appear, with their eyes set on a bright future.