The message reads, in part:
“Russia first got to know this interesting and very watchable sport more than 100 years ago, but it began developing actively only after the mid-twentieth century. Our rugby players have achieved some notable successes in the most prestigious international competitions and have counted among the medal winners in European championships. It is good to see that a new chapter in rugby’s history is opening now with the sport’s return to the Olympic Game’s programme. We want to build on these positive trends and develop our national school and its international standing.
I am sure that holding the World Cup in Russia will be an excellent present for our fans and will help to promote Rugby Sevens here and attract talented young players into the game.”
The Rugby World Cup Sevens is taking place in Moscow between June 28 and 30.