Russian club VVA-Moscow Region has won the European Champions Cup in Rugby Sevens for the third time in a row.
The sport is enjoying growing popularity in Russia recently, and Moscow will host the national European championships next month.
It was a case of déjà vu on Sunday evening in Moscow. Russian sides VVA-Moscow Region and Yug contested for the European Champions Cup for the third consecutive time.
Russia does have a solid reputation in Rugby Sevens, but the final said more about the level of the tournament.
“We would have liked to have seen more foreign teams at this event. Especially, from England or Scotland – some first-class sides. It is always Russian clubs in the final here, but only because the competition level isn't high,” VVA’s Aleksandr Yanyushkin said.
The Moscow region side didn't face many problems on their way to lifting the trophy. A few easy tries early on put them well on course to take the title. They eventually celebrated a 40-17 victory.
Following their success, the players will now focus on the national team.
“We will now become part of Russia's national team. And we hope to perform well in front of the home crowd at the European Championship,” Aleksey Katrutsa said.
So it is party time for VVA Moscow Region, but they will not have much time to celebrate, as the majority of them will be performing at the European Championships in just two weeks' time.