The head coach of Tagany Rog summarized the team`s performance in the Magnet Russian Rugby-7 Cup, where they finished in fifth place:
We approached the Russian Rugby-7 Cup as a significant event and prepared for it with serious ambitions. In the initial stages of the championship, the team demonstrated strong play; we competed effectively with leading teams and even secured victories. This was truly inspiring and boosted our confidence.
As I mentioned, we aimed for victory and put in diligent preparation for the tournament. We understood that the squad is still developing – we`ve only been together for half a year, and our journey towards major victories is just starting. Naturally, we hoped that our team cohesion, dedication, and shared objective would carry us far. However, rugby-7 is inherently a dynamic and unpredictable game.
Early in the tournament, we encountered significant challenges, with two key players sidelined due to injuries. In the crucial match, the team played a significant portion shorthanded due to disciplinary infractions, partly stemming from an overzealous desire to win. Despite all these setbacks, I am incredibly proud of the players for their dedication, their fight to the very end, and their unwavering refusal to surrender. I thank the leadership for their trust and support.
This tournament proved to be a valuable learning experience; we`ve drawn conclusions and emerged stronger. We have a formidable and ambitious squad. And I am absolutely confident that our greatest victories lie ahead!
