Photo: Anton Levchenko (c) RC Taganiy Rog
Rugby Club Taganiy Rog recently concluded their participation in the Rugby-7 Russian Cup, securing a fifth-place finish. Head Coach Anton Levchenko offered his perspective on the team`s performance and the road ahead, highlighting the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
Levchenko emphasized that the team approached the Cup with significant preparation and clear ambitions. He recalled positive performances in earlier league rounds, where the team demonstrated their capability by competing closely with top-tier opponents and even clinching victories. This earlier success, he noted, instilled valuable confidence.
“We strove for victory and trained diligently for the tournament,” Levchenko stated, underlining the team`s commitment. He acknowledged the reality of the squad`s relative youth; having been together for only six months, they are still very much at the beginning of their journey towards significant achievements. While hopes were high that team cohesion, sheer dedication, and a shared objective would propel them further, Rugby-7, as he pointed out, remains an inherently dynamic and often unpredictable sport.
The path through the tournament was not without considerable hurdles. Injuries struck early, sidelining two key players right at the start. Compounding this, in a decisive match, the team was forced to play a significant portion of time with a numerical disadvantage due to disciplinary penalties. Levchenko wryly suggested these infringements were, in part, fueled by an “excessive desire to win” – a common paradox where intense competitive spirit can inadvertently lead to tactical errors or fouls.
Despite these setbacks and challenges on the pitch, the coach expressed profound pride in his players. He lauded their unwavering selflessness, their tenacity in battling until the final whistle, and their resilience in refusing to surrender. He also conveyed his gratitude towards the club`s leadership for their continued trust and crucial support.
Ultimately, Levchenko frames the tournament experience as a vital building block. “This tournament was a valuable experience – we made conclusions and became stronger,” he affirmed. He characterized the current squad as “powerful, ambitious” and articulated a strong, forward-looking confidence in their prospects. “And I am sure,” he concluded on an optimistic note, “our big victories are ahead!”
The fifth-place finish, while not the ultimate prize, appears to be realistically assessed by Taganiy Rog as a significant and necessary step in the development cycle of a young, ambitious team, providing essential experience and reinforcing their collective belief in achieving greater success in future competitions.
Percy Harlow