Anton Levchenko, the Head Coach of Tagany Rog Rugby Club, recently offered his perspective on the team`s campaign in the Magnit Russian Rugby-7 Cup, where they secured a fifth-place finish. While acknowledging that the result wasn`t the top spot they aimed for, Levchenko painted a picture of a team under construction, navigating challenges, and ultimately emerging stronger with their sights set firmly on future triumphs.
According to Coach Levchenko, the Russian Rugby-7 Cup was a significant marker for the squad, approached with serious ambition and thorough preparation. He highlighted the team`s promising start in the early rounds, where they not only held their own against leading contenders but also managed to clinch important victories. These early successes, he noted, served as a vital source of inspiration and bolstered confidence within the relatively new collective – a group that has only been playing together for approximately six months.
Levchenko was pragmatic about the team`s current stage, understanding that the journey to major victories is a gradual process. Hopes were high that team cohesion, sheer dedication, and a shared goal would carry them deep into the tournament. However, as is often the case in the fast-paced and inherently unpredictable world of Rugby-7, unforeseen hurdles appeared.
The team faced significant difficulties from the outset, with injuries unfortunately sidelining two key players. The deciding match brought further complications when the team found itself playing short-handed for a considerable period. This was due to disciplinary penalties, which, in a moment of subtle irony, Levchenko attributed partly to an *excessive* desire to win – a commendable trait perhaps, but one that needs tempering with tactical discipline under pressure.
Despite these setbacks and the fifth-place outcome, Levchenko expressed profound pride in his players. He commended their unwavering self-sacrifice, their tenacious fight until the final whistle, and their refusal to surrender. He also extended gratitude to the club`s leadership for their trust and continued support.
This tournament proved to be a valuable learning experience – we`ve drawn conclusions and emerged stronger. We have a robust, ambitious group. And I am confident – our significant victories lie ahead!
The coach views the tournament not as a conclusion, but as a crucial developmental phase. The lessons learned from navigating injuries, managing discipline under pressure, and competing against top sides will undoubtedly shape the team`s approach going forward. With a self-described “powerful, ambitious” squad, Tagany Rog looks set to build on this experience, aiming to translate their potential into tangible successes on the pitch in upcoming competitions. The coach`s message is clear: the foundation is laid, the lessons are learned, and the team believes its best performances are still to come.
