In the world of professional sports, careers are often fleeting, punctuated by triumphs, setbacks, and ultimately, a transition to a new chapter. For Daria Shestakova, a former stalwart of CSKA and the Russian national rugby team, that transition is proving to be as dynamic and engaging as her time on the pitch. Now an ambassador for Rugby Club CSKA and a student of television presenting at Ostankino, Shestakova offers a candid glimpse into her post-playing life, the evolving landscape of Russian women’s rugby, and the enduring passion that defines her journey.
Photo: From Daria Shestakova`s personal archive
From Scrum to Screen: A New Arena Beckons
Shestakova`s pivot to a media career might seem abrupt to some, but for her, it’s a natural evolution. “I was already contemplating my next steps while still playing,” she recounts, acknowledging that a professional athlete`s career isn`t eternal. With a characteristic blend of self-awareness and humor, she adds, “Then I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘My God! I was simply born to be on television!’” More seriously, she emphasizes a long-standing interest and the desire for continuous learning, embracing the intricate demands of TV work, from speech technique to navigating multiple cameras. It`s a “completely different world,” she admits, but one she`s clearly relishing.
The Shifting Tides of Russian Women’s Rugby-7
Having been a significant force in Russian rugby, Shestakova provides a sharp analysis of the current Women`s Rugby-7 Championship. She notes the emergence of exciting new teams like Argat from Ust-Labinsk and Zilant from Kazan, injecting fresh energy into the league. However, she also points to the struggles of former powerhouses, suggesting “Yenisey-STM needs to change something” and recalling the past glory of Krasny Yar, which once lifted the Russian Cup. The solution, she believes, lies in a strategic blend of experience and youth.
“The synergy of experienced players with new girls is crucial. Take Rostov-DGTU with Navrat Khamidova and Anya Yermolaeva (Gotzeva) – they bring invaluable World Series and European experience, which is exactly what a developing club needs.”
This seasoned perspective underscores a recurring theme in sports: the irreplaceable value of a veteran presence, not just for their physical prowess, but for their tactical acumen and leadership, especially in nurturing nascent talent.
Professionalism and the Power of the Crowd
The financial realities of professional rugby are a common concern for athletes. Shestakova observes that for players in Russia’s top Rugby-7 teams, a career focused solely on the sport is now viable, a significant improvement since the sport`s inclusion in the Olympic program. “It’s enough for one person to feel comfortable,” she states, highlighting the progress made in the sport`s professionalization.
Beyond finances, the atmosphere of a match is paramount. For Shestakova, the best stadiums – Paris, Dubai, Sydney – weren`t just about the facilities, but the throngs of enthusiastic fans. Playing before 40,000 spectators creates an “indescribable, unforgettable” buzz. She contrasts this with the despondency of playing to “one and a half diggers,” no matter how pristine the field.
Her observations on American sports culture are particularly insightful. Recounting the 2018 Rugby World Cup in San Francisco and World Series events in Glendale and Atlanta, she marvels at the American public`s willingness to attend events en masse, even if they`re unfamiliar with the sport. “It’s like they have a cult of participation,” she posits, suggesting a mentality of engaging with whatever is happening in the city, transforming any venue into an electrifying experience.
Cultivating the Fanbase: Small Gears, Big Impact
To draw more people into rugby, Shestakova advocates for accessible initiatives. She praises Vasily Artemyev’s tag-rugby programs and school leagues as “small gears that start a big process.” These entry points, though seemingly minor, spark interest in children and, by extension, their parents, gradually expanding the sport`s reach. She shares a heartwarming personal anecdote: a taxi driver, having heard her radio interview, not only recognized her but asked for an autograph and committed to following the local games. Such unexpected encounters, she notes, are a powerful testament to media`s ability to forge new connections between athletes and the public.
Her experience of being recognized and treated to a meal at a restaurant after a debilitating injury further illustrates this connection. Despite a grim mood and physical discomfort, the gesture from a CSKA fan, a restaurant manager no less, brought immense joy. “I don’t know why popular people get annoyed by recognition,” she muses, underlining her appreciation for these moments of connection.
The Unseen Battles: Injuries and Longevity
The glitz of a media career and the camaraderie of the rugby community stand in stark contrast to the physical toll of elite sport. Shestakova`s body bears the marks of a demanding career: two Achilles tendon surgeries, two shoulder operations, and an elbow injury pre-rugby. Currently in rehabilitation, her return to play remains uncertain. “After such injuries, people rarely return,” she admits with a pragmatic realism, acknowledging the long road ahead for recovery.
Yet, she notes with a touch of irony the rising trend of longevity in women`s rugby, with players like Alena Tiron excelling even after childbirth and into their mid-thirties. “If someone feels they haven`t finished, why not?” she asks, celebrating their resilience. This seasoned perspective highlights the crucial role of these veterans, especially in the absence of international competition. Training alongside players like Nadia Sozonova and Kristina Seredina, who have experienced World Series and Olympic stages, provides invaluable “game experience” that young talents need to develop.
The Road Back: A Speculative Return to the World Stage
The question of Russia`s return to international rugby looms large. Having attended the Olympics in Paris, Shestakova has a clear-eyed view of the global landscape. If the Russian Women`s Rugby-7 team were suddenly reinstated, she anticipates an initial surge fueled by “euphoria” and a hunger to compete. “On pure momentum, we could even make the top eight, or perhaps higher,” she predicts, crediting the experienced core of the team.
However, this initial burst would likely be followed by a challenging period. The lack of international exposure over the past few years means the team would have to “start from scratch” in many respects. “It would take at least a year of hard work in the lower ranks of the tournament table,” she concludes, reflecting on the elevated speed and intensity of the World Series. Despite the challenges, Shestakova`s spirit remains undaunted, a testament to the enduring appeal and resilience of rugby itself.
Gareth Fenton 
Percy Harlow