In the world of professional sport, loyalty often feels like a relic. Yet, for Artem Rybaulin, captain of Moscow`s illustrious Slava Rugby Club, it`s the very bedrock of his decade-long career. His journey is a testament to the magnetic pull of tradition, community, and the unyielding spirit of a club that, despite the ever-shifting sands of modern sports, remains a steadfast anchor.
The Uncharted Path to Professionalism
For many aspiring athletes, the dream of professionalism is meticulously plotted from a young age. For Rybaulin, however, the path was less a grand design and more an organic evolution. His initial foray into rugby began simply as a pastime, a casual engagement with the physicality and camaraderie of the sport. The turning point arrived when he witnessed the first team of Slava in action.
“Initially, I just wanted to play,” Rybaulin recalls. “But then, when I saw the Slava first team, a desire to move forward appeared. There was no thought of tying my life to the sport, but somehow, I became a professional athlete.”
This candid admission speaks volumes about the intrinsic appeal of rugby, particularly within the nurturing environment of Slava. It suggests a powerful force beyond mere ambition – a pull towards a collective identity and a competitive arena where passion naturally blossoms into a profession.
The Weight of the Armband: Leading by Example
This season marked a significant milestone for Rybaulin: he was entrusted with the captain`s armband, a decision made by his teammates. This act of faith underscores his standing within the squad, not just as a skilled player, but as a trusted leader. For Rybaulin, captaincy isn`t about grand speeches or performative displays; it`s about a quiet, unwavering resolve.
“I became captain at the start of this season,” he explains. “The guys chose me. It`s a great responsibility that they have treated me this way. For me, the status of captain is more about making the right decisions on the field. A captain is a person who must always remain cool-headed. The game often hinges on his decisions.”
This philosophy highlights the strategic and mental demands of leadership in rugby. Amidst the chaos of scrums and rucks, the captain must be the calm eye of the storm, making split-second decisions that can dictate the flow and outcome of a match. It`s a role that requires both tactical acumen and emotional discipline, ensuring the team`s focus never wavers.
A Decade in Yellow and Blue: An Unbreakable Bond
Rybaulin`s connection to Slava runs deep. A product of the SDYUSSHOR “Slava” youth academy, he has dedicated ten years to the club, a rare feat in an era of frequent player transfers. His loyalty is not merely a habit but a conscious choice, rooted in the foundational values instilled during his formative years.
“When I first joined Slava, it was the only club in Moscow,” he notes, painting a picture of a nascent rugby landscape. “I was always attracted by the team spirit, which the coach supported. And this continued in the first team. Despite age and status, everyone is ready to stand up for you.”
This enduring team spirit, a sense of collective protection and mutual respect, forms the bedrock of Slava`s identity and Rybaulin`s unwavering allegiance. It`s a loyalty that transcends individual ambition, rooting itself in a shared brotherhood.
Slava`s Evolution: Change Without Compromise
Over a decade, any organization, especially a sports club, undergoes significant transformation. Slava is no exception. Rybaulin acknowledges the practical shifts in how the club operates, yet he emphasizes the immutability of its core essence.
“Much has changed in the organization and management of the club, but the traditions have remained unchanged. A lot changes, but Slava is eternal.”
This statement offers a subtly ironic take on the nature of progress. While modern management techniques and organizational structures are undoubtedly crucial for success, Rybaulin suggests that the true strength of Slava lies in something more profound: an enduring ethos, a set of values that resist the temporal tide. It`s a comforting thought for fans and players alike: some things, indeed, are simply too fundamental to be altered, like a perfectly executed lineout or the unwavering belief in your teammates.
Beyond the Pitch: Rugby as a Way of Life
For Rybaulin, rugby isn`t just a profession; it`s an intrinsic part of his identity. The sport, often perceived as a brutal clash of titans, reveals its deeper, more nuanced layers through his perspective.
“It is now an integral part of my life. Rugby is addictive. It`s more than a sport. Rugby is about family and collective, because our community is not very large,” he explains.
This sentiment resonates deeply within the global rugby community. The sport’s smaller, tighter-knit circles often foster stronger bonds, creating a surrogate family that shares both triumphs and tribulations. It`s a powerful motivator, transforming daily training and match-day pressures into a shared journey.
The Future`s Horizon: Sustained Excellence
While many athletes dream of grand trophies or international accolades, Rybaulin`s ultimate aspiration is refreshingly pragmatic and profoundly athlete-centric: consistency and longevity.
“To play at a high level for a long time and show good performance for as long as possible. That is the most pleasant thing for any athlete,” he states.
It`s a testament to the sheer dedication required to maintain peak physical and mental condition in a demanding sport. The joy, for Rybaulin, lies not just in victory, but in the sustained ability to contribute effectively, to master one`s craft day in and day out.
The Gentleman`s Game: A Contradiction in Terms?
Rugby`s reputation as a “gentleman`s game played by hooligans” often precedes it. Rybaulin addresses this paradox, highlighting the sport`s inclusive nature despite its physical demands.
“Despite physiological and psychological characteristics, everyone will be able to find a position for themselves in rugby. Therefore, it is difficult to speak of specific qualities. I note that rugby is a gentleman`s game for real men.”
This assertion elegantly bridges the gap between rugby’s raw physicality and its inherent discipline. While collisions are frequent and emotions run high – “conflicts do happen… sometimes emotions, on the contrary, help you get up and cheer up” – the underlying respect for opponents, officials, and the game`s laws prevails. It’s a sport where fierce competition coexists with an unwritten code of honor, a balance that makes it truly unique.
A Call to the Aspiring: Foundations of Success
For those contemplating a dive into the world of rugby, Rybaulin offers straightforward, actionable advice:
- Work Ethic: “Work hard and keep working. Only then will everything come.”
- Self-Belief: “Believe in yourself.”
- Team Trust: “Trust your partners, because trust in the collective is very important. It will help you reach the top.”
These aren`t glamorous secrets, but the timeless principles that underpin success in any team sport. The emphasis on collective trust is particularly poignant, serving as a reminder that in rugby, individual brilliance is amplified by the unwavering support of your teammates.
Artem Rybaulin`s journey with Slava Rugby Club is more than just a player`s career; it`s a living narrative of loyalty, leadership, and the enduring power of tradition. In a sport that constantly evolves, Rybaulin and Slava stand as a testament to the values that truly make rugby “more than a game.”
Finlay Hurst 
Gareth Pendleton