Rugby hosts: Blenheim

The Russian team will be treated to a traditional powhiri at Omaka Marare. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Russians are coming to Blenheim for their Rugby World Cup. Not just the 500 supporters or so the town expected, but 2000 of them.

"That's huge," says Rugby World Cup's Marlborough project manager, Susan Witehira, "but that number has been confirmed for us - 2000."

Russia is coming to its first Rugby World Cup with a squad of 45 players and officials. They will be based in Blenheim for most of their first fortnight, making trips away for matches at Nelson and New Plymouth.

By the time they arrive on September 6, Blenheim should be well primed to receive them.

Local schools have received a programme to give children some Russian language. The local newspaper, the Marlborough Express, has begun a weekly feature of Russian phrases.

If that does not make the visitors feel at home, Marlborough boasts an international award-winning local vodka and brews a Russian-styled beer.

On September 7, when the team go to Omaka Marae for their official powhiri, they could see a flyover of one of Russia's World War II fighter planes, the Yak-3.

The Omaka aviation museum will feature aircraft of the type Russia used in World War I and inside, suspended from the roof, a display dedicated to Russian World War I ace Aleksandr Kazakov will feature a mannequin of him in a full-size replica of his monoplane.

The team are serious about the World Cup, with high hopes of beating the United States in their first match. Their coaching staff includes capped English international Steve Diamond and New Zealander Henry Paul.

They are giving their players just a day and half free of training but their practice sessions will be open and they have invited local school 1st XVs to attend.

Susan Witehira expects Marlborough to get heavy exposure on Russian television during the team's stay. She has been told the oligarch who runs TV in Russia is keen on sport and all the games will be free to air.

Russia's rugby union sees the World Cup as an unprecedented opportunity for the promotion of the game there and Marlborough sees an opportunity to promote its wines in one of the world's largest emerging markets.

Springfest on the Picton foreshore will wind up the Russian team's visit. Marlborough aims to send the team and their 2000 supporters home with fond memories, enduring rugby connections and a definite taste for seafood and sauvignon blanc.