In the heart of Russia`s rugby stronghold, a pivotal youth championship match is set to unfold, showcasing the burgeoning talent that promises to shape the sport`s future. It`s more than just a game; it`s a proving ground for the next generation.
Krasnoyarsk, a city synonymous with Russian rugby, is once again gearing up for a significant sporting event. On September 25th, the Avangard Stadium will host a highly anticipated clash in the Youth Teams Championship, featuring two of the nation`s most storied clubs: “Yenisei-STM-m” and “Lokomotiv-m”. These aren`t just junior teams; they are the development squads, the nurseries where future national and international stars are honed.
Match Details:
Teams: Yenisei-STM-m vs. Lokomotiv-m
Competition: Youth Teams Championship
Date: September 25th
Venue: Avangard Stadium, Krasnoyarsk
Kick-off: 14:30 Moscow Time (18:30 Krasnoyarsk Time)
The Significance of Youth Rugby
While the senior teams of Yenisei-STM and Lokomotiv often dominate headlines with their fierce rivalries and championship battles, the youth leagues are arguably where the true foundation of success is laid. These matches provide invaluable experience, allowing young athletes to develop their physical prowess, tactical understanding, and mental resilience under competitive pressure. For many, this is the first real taste of professional-level expectations, where coaches scrutinize every pass, tackle, and strategic decision.
It`s a delicate balance for coaches: fostering raw talent while instilling the discipline required for elite performance. The lineups revealed for this upcoming match reflect months of training, assessment, and strategic planning, aiming to field the most effective combination of burgeoning strength and budding tactical acumen.
Yenisei-STM-m: The Krasnoyarsk Legacy Continues
As the home team, Yenisei-STM-m carries the weight of a proud rugby tradition. Their roster features a blend of promising forwards and agile backs, all eager to prove their worth on their home turf. Captained by Danila Mankovsky, the team`s forward pack looks formidable, with players like Denis Zorin and Marlen Omoshov anchoring the front row, poised to dominate the scrums. In the backline, the tactical guidance of fly-half Eldiyar Toktosunov will be crucial in unlocking defensive lines, while wingers like Vyacheslav Girenkov and Artyom Rovsky offer speed and finishing power. It appears that Nikita Egorov is so vital to their plans, he might just be playing two positions at once – or perhaps the coaching staff simply couldn`t pick between two promising talents sharing a name. Either way, the intensity of selection is clear.
Yenisei-STM-m Squad
Starting XV:
- 1. Denis Zorin
- 2. Marlen Omoshov
- 3. Igor Ustinov
- 4. Nikita Egorov
- 5. Vyacheslav Taskin
- 6. Danila Mankovsky (Captain)
- 7. Nikita Egorov
- 8. Danil Burlakov
- 9. Alexander Belosludtsev
- 10. Eldiyar Toktosunov
- 11. Vyacheslav Girenkov
- 12. Semyon Chernonogov
- 13. Vitaly Bezmaternykh
- 14. Artyom Rovsky
- 15. Nikita Antonov
Reserves:
- 16. Vadim Mangalov
- 17. Alexander Novik
- 18. Fyodor Baglay
- 19. Kirill Bonavtsov
- 20. Alexander Lisitsyn
- 21. Rasim Sultanov
- 22. Roman Senchenko
- 23. Artyom Budim
Lokomotiv-m: The Challengers from Afar
Lokomotiv-m, hailing from outside Krasnoyarsk, arrives with their own ambitions and a squad hungry for victory. Led by captain Artyom Lyubaev, their lineup features a robust set of forwards, including the likes of Danil Misyuryaev and Kirill Zhirov, who will be keen to assert their physical presence. The half-back pairing of Danila Pichuzhkin and Yaroslav Fadin will be central to their attacking strategies, dictating the tempo and distribution of play. With players like Alexander Voznyuk and Magomed Kurbanov in the back three, Lokomotiv-m possesses the pace to exploit any gaps that appear.
Lokomotiv-m Squad
Starting XV:
- 1. Danil Misyuryaev
- 2. Kirill Zhirov
- 3. Anton Divtsov
- 4. Faris Gubaidullin
- 5. Anton Doronin
- 6. Gleb Mishin
- 7. Andrey Bosalaev
- 8. Maxim Kalmakov
- 9. Danila Pichuzhkin
- 10. Yaroslav Fadin
- 11. Alexander Voznyuk
- 12. Artyom Lyubaev (Captain)
- 13. Egor Plamenov
- 14. Artyom Zhulyabin
- 15. Magomed Kurbanov
Reserves:
- 17. Ilya Semikopenko
- 18. Maxim Makarov
- 19. Denis Grishunin
- 20. Egor Afanasiev
- 21. Maxim Bastrygin
- 22. Arseniy Goryunov
- 23. Nikita Kolodkin
What to Expect: A Battle for Potential
This match is poised to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to impose their game plan and test their opponents` resolve. For the players, it`s an opportunity to catch the eye of scouts and senior team coaches. For fans, it`s a chance to witness the raw talent and unbridled passion that defines youth rugby. The future of Russian rugby will, in large part, be shaped by the performances seen on pitches like Avangard Stadium. Expect spirited play, determined defense, and moments of individual brilliance from these hopeful young athletes.
Whether you`re a seasoned rugby enthusiast or new to the sport, keep an eye on this fixture. It’s where legends begin, often with a muddy jersey and a youthful roar.
Gareth Pendleton 
Finlay Hurst