Artemyev: Russian Bears will bite back in 2019

TRAILBLAZING ex-Northampton wing Vasily Artemyev reckons Russia have thrown off the shackles of failure and will be a force at the 2019 World Cup.

After the high point of reaching the World Cup in New Zealand six years ago, the Bears could not live up to their hype and lost to Uruguay in qualifying for England 2015.

However, season 201718 will see two Russian clubs – Enisei-STM and Krasny Yar – competing together in the European Challenge Cup for the first time and Krasny Yar star Artemyev believes that provides a springboard for qualification.

Artemyev, 29, who represented Saints between 2011 and 2014, said: “2011 was a huge year for Russian rugby but then we hit difficulties; we had three head coaches in a short period and older players left the squad.

“Now, though, Russian rugby is developing very quickly and as well as Enesei and Krasny Yar, we have VVA Saracens, who are part of the Saracens world brand, becoming one of the strongest teams and adding to our competition.

“We have seen Enesei beating Worcester, Newcastle, Brive and Newport over the last two seasons in Europe, which represents a big success for us, and Krasny Yar will come into the Challenge Cup this year and look to do well.

“So now we have three or four top clubs competing at a high level and believe this will give us a great chance in qualification. We must beat Spain, Germany and Belgium and then target a big win against Romania, but we believe we can do it.”

Artemyev is feted in Russia for being the country’s first top professional in England.

He added: “It was a dream to play top European rugby with Northampton and the three seasons I had were unbelievable. To be the first Russian player in the Premiership was great and it created a lot of interest and ambition.

“Andrei Ostrikov followed me by joining Sale and now we need more Russian players playing in top leagues to make us better.”

NEALE HARVEY