Representatives from the Rugby Union of Russia say the team would like to make training sessions at Baypark Stadium open to the public and engage the local community during their Rugby World Cup stay in Tauranga next year.
Rugby Union of Russia director of rugby Steve Diamond and general manager Zorik
Masandilov had breakfast at the Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel, along with Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Mike Rogers and Priority One representative Richard Kinzett on Saturday.
The group then visited Baypark Stadium, which the Russian team will use as a training ground, followed by Greerton Aquatic Centre, The Gym on Cameron Rd and the athletics track at Tauranga Domain.
The Russian team will stay in Tauranga for three days in the lead-up to their clash against Ireland in Rotorua on September 25 next year.
Mr Rogers said the two men gave very positive feedback about the facilities and said they wished their stay here could be longer.
Mr Rogers said the team had indicated they wanted to engage the Tauranga community and rally local support.
"They're certainly keen to get involved with the youth in the community where possible."
He said the officials also indicated they would like to connect with members of the Russian community in the Bay of Plenty.
Mr Rogers said 2011 was the first Rugby World Cup Russia had qualified for.
He said there were 12 professional club teams in the country, six of which were based in Moscow and the remainder in Siberia.
He said these teams had to travel about 5000km to play against each other.
"They believe there's massive potential for rugby in Russia," Mr Rogers said.
He said the same applied to the United States, which he anticipated would make for a spirited match when the two nations go head to head in New Plymouth on September 15.
The Fiji Rugby Union visited Tauranga last week, with officials from Namibia and Samoa yet to come.
