Daria Shestakova: Beyond the Try Line – A New Chapter and a Candid Look at Russian Rugby

From the thunderous clashes on the rugby pitch to the polished glow of television studios, Daria Shestakova, a former stalwart of CSKA and the Russian national rugby team, is embarking on a fascinating new chapter. Known for her tenacity and passion for the game, Shestakova is now navigating the equally competitive world of media, all while keeping a keen eye on the sport she loves. In a candid reflection, she shares insights into her evolving career, the state of women`s rugby in Russia, her personal battles with injury, and the potential future of the national team on the global stage.

A New Horizon: From Scrums to Scripts

Shestakova`s transition isn`t just a career shift; it`s a dive into an entirely different realm. Currently, she serves as a brand ambassador for RC CSKA, leveraging her athletic background to promote the club. Simultaneously, she`s pursuing formal training as a TV presenter at Ostankino, one of Russia`s most prestigious media academies. “I simply looked at myself in the mirror and thought, `My goodness! I was born for television!`” she quips, her humor underscoring a genuine interest that developed during her playing days. This new path, she admits, is a “completely different world” – one that demands new skills in communication, on-camera presence, and the complex choreography of live production. It`s challenging, certainly, but undeniably captivating.

The Heartbeat of Russian Rugby: A Local Look

Despite her new pursuits, Shestakova remains deeply connected to the pulse of Russian women`s rugby. She observes a dynamic landscape in the national Rugby-7 Championship. New teams like “Argat” from Ust-Labinsk and “Zilant” from Kazan are emerging, bringing fresh energy. However, she notes a concerning trend among traditional powerhouses like “Yenisey-STM” and “Krasny Yar,” suggesting they need significant changes, including better funding and an influx of new talent. The strategic integration of experienced players, such as Navrat Khamidova and Anna Ermolaeva (Gotzeva) with Rostov-DSTU, is crucial for mentoring younger athletes and elevating the overall game. The Olympic inclusion of Rugby-7, she believes, has been a game-changer, professionalizing the sport to a degree where top players can now make it their sole occupation, a far cry from previous amateur structures.

Beyond Borders: Global Rugby`s Allure

When reflecting on her playing career, Shestakova`s eyes light up when discussing international venues. Paris, Dubai, and Sydney stand out, not just for their pristine fields but for the electric atmosphere created by passionate fans. “A stadium can be anything, you see? But the number of spectators who come makes the atmosphere,” she asserts. Playing before 40,000 cheering fans is an indescribable thrill, a stark contrast to matches with “one and a half diggers” in the stands. Her observations extend to the unique spectacle of rugby in the USA. She recalls being surprised by the sheer volume of attendees at tournaments in San Francisco, Glendale, and Atlanta, even among those new to the sport. It`s almost, she muses, a cultural phenomenon for Americans to attend whatever major events are happening in town, a “cult” of participation that fills stadiums regardless of niche appeal.

Cultivating the Game: The Grassroots Effort

Bringing that same level of broad interest to rugby in Russia is a challenge, but Shestakova sees glimmers of hope. She champions initiatives like Vasily Artemiev`s tag-rugby leagues, which introduce a non-contact version of the sport to new audiences, from business professionals to schoolchildren. These grassroots efforts, she explains, act as “small cogs that start a big process,” gradually drawing more people into the sport. She shares a delightful personal anecdote: a taxi driver, having heard her on the radio, recognized her and, genuinely intrigued, promised to follow upcoming rugby matches and even requested an autograph. It`s a testament to how even seemingly small media appearances can resonate and spark unexpected interest.

The Human Touch: Recognition and Resilience

Beyond the field, athletes often encounter unexpected moments of public recognition. Shestakova cherishes one particular memory that highlights the unique bond between athletes and their fans. After a debilitating Achilles injury, hobbling on crutches with a black eye, she sought solace in a restaurant. To her astonishment, the entire meal was on the house, compliments of the manager, a fervent CSKA supporter who recognized her and wished her well. “My friends were shocked, and so was I,” she recounts, emphasizing the profound and heartwarming impact of such genuine appreciation during a difficult time.

Sisters in Arms (and Opposition)

Daria`s rugby journey is uniquely intertwined with that of her twin sister, Arina. Their entry into the sport was almost accidental, a chance invitation to try rugby in Moscow in 2014, lured by the prospect of a trip from their native Chelyabinsk. They quickly signed with RGUtiS-Podmoskovye, playing together for years. While playing on the same team was “cool,” facing off against each other in competing clubs was, predictably, a different beast. She recalls a pre-game pact with Arina: “No dirt, okay?” only to be immediately clattered from behind in the first play. Arina`s retort? “What did you expect? You took the ball!” – a classic sibling moment of competitive spirit overriding sentimentality. Shestakova also candidly remembers the sting of her sister making the national team for the 2015 Dubai World Series while she did not, quickly followed by her own determined return to the squad for the subsequent Brazil stage. A minor theft of her daily allowance in Dubai, which was later resolved, adds a humorous aside to that initial disappointment.

The Unseen Battle: Injuries and Uncertain Futures

Shestakova`s path has been marked by a relentless series of injuries, including two Achilles tendon ruptures and surgeries on both shoulders. While her shoulders, remarkably, are now fine after an accelerated recovery for the Tokyo Olympics, the cumulative toll makes a return to professional play uncertain. “After such injuries, people rarely return,” she admits soberly. Yet, she points to the impressive longevity of many female rugby players, with some over 35 returning post-maternity leave, like Alena Tiron who swiftly resumed scoring multiple tries. This contrasts sharply with the perception a decade ago, when a 28-year-old like Anastasia Mukharyamova was considered a “veteran.” For Shestakova, the core issue now is nurturing new talent. While young players demonstrate immense potential, they desperately need the wisdom and experience of veterans like Nadezhda Sozonova and Kristina Seredina, especially with Russia`s current isolation from international tournaments. The domestic championship maintains high speeds, proving physical readiness, but international exposure is irreplaceable for true growth.

The Road Back: A National Team`s Hopes and Hurdles

The hypothetical return of the Russian women`s Rugby-7 team to the World Series evokes a mix of optimism and pragmatism from Shestakova. She believes an initial reinstatement would see them perform strongly, fueled by the “euphoria” of being back and the seasoned core of players who miss the international stage. “If we were suddenly brought back now, we`d make it into the top eight, maybe even higher,” she predicts, crediting this to sheer momentum and accumulated experience. However, the long-term outlook is more challenging. Three years of isolation have stifled development at the highest level. While the foundational skills remain, the team would essentially need to “start from scratch” in terms of global competitiveness. “It would be tough,” she concedes, noting the remarkable progress of “dark horses” like China. The first year back, she forecasts, would likely involve a struggle at the lower end of the tournament standings, a necessary period of re-adaptation and growth.

Daria Shestakova`s journey is a compelling narrative of adaptation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to sport. Whether she`s gracing the airwaves or advocating for the game she loves, her unique perspective offers a vital glimpse into the evolving world of professional athletics and the enduring spirit of Russian women`s rugby.