In the often-transient world of professional sports, where players move between clubs with the regularity of quarterly reports, the story of Artem Rybaulin stands as a testament to loyalty, tradition, and the profound connection an athlete can forge with their team. A veteran player and newly appointed captain of Moscow’s Slava Rugby Club, Rybaulin recently offered a glimpse into his decade-long journey, revealing insights that resonate far beyond the scrum and the try line.
The Accidental Professional: A Journey Ignited
For many aspiring athletes, the path to professionalism is meticulously planned, a childhood dream pursued with unwavering focus. For Rybaulin, however, it began with a simpler desire: “I just wanted to play.” The pivotal moment arrived when he witnessed Slava’s first team in action. It wasn`t a grand revelation, but a quiet spark that ignited a deep-seated ambition. He describes it as an almost accidental stumble into a career, a delightful irony given his sustained success.
The Captain`s Cool Head: Leading from the Front
This season, Rybaulin`s teammates entrusted him with the captain`s armband – a role he approaches with a measured, strategic mind. He views captaincy not as an opportunity for theatrical pronouncements, but as a critical responsibility for on-field decision-making. “A captain is a person who must always remain cool-headed,” he states, emphasizing that the flow of the game often hinges on these calm, calculated choices. It`s less about rallying cries and more about chess-like precision in the chaos of a ruck.
His ambition for the season is equally pragmatic: “To play and improve from match to match, analyzing and correcting mistakes.” This continuous self-assessment, a drive for “victorious micro-elements,” he believes, ultimately builds the foundation for overall team success. A refreshing lack of grand, abstract goals, replaced by a focus on incremental, tangible progress.
A Decade of Devotion: Slava is Eternal
Ten years with a single club is a rarity, especially in a sport as physically demanding as rugby. Rybaulin, a product of Slava`s own youth academy, attributes his unwavering loyalty to the club`s intrinsic team spirit. It was a quality he encountered from his earliest days, fostered by coaches, and carried into the senior squad, where “everyone is ready to stand up for you.”
He acknowledges that much has changed within the club over the past decade – organizational structures and management strategies have evolved. Yet, in a testament to the enduring power of culture, he proudly asserts, “traditions have remained unchanged. Many things change, but Slava is eternal.” This conviction underscores a profound truth: while the external shell may adapt, the soul of an institution, especially one built on shared struggle and camaraderie, can stand the test of time.
More Than a Game: Rugby as a Way of Life
What truly motivates Rybaulin to continue playing at a professional level? It`s simple: rugby has become an “integral part of my life.” He describes it as something that “drags you in,” transcending mere sport to become a “family and community.” This sentiment is particularly poignant in the relatively smaller world of rugby, where bonds tend to be tighter, and mutual respect runs deeper.
His ultimate sporting dream is not about fleeting glory or individual accolades, but about sustained excellence: “To play at a high level for a long time and show good play for as long as possible.” It’s the purest ambition of an athlete who finds joy in the craft itself.
The Gentleman`s Code: Power and Principles
When asked about the ideal qualities of a rugby player, Rybaulin steers clear of prescriptive physical traits. He humorously points out that rugby`s diverse positions accommodate a wide range of “physiological and psychological peculiarities,” meaning virtually anyone can find their niche. However, he does offer a definitive, albeit slightly ironic, descriptor: “Rugby is a gentleman`s game for real men.” It’s a sport where brutal physicality coexists with an unwritten code of honor, a compelling paradox that defines its unique appeal.
Even in a full-contact sport, where emotions run high, conflicts with opponents are natural. Rybaulin readily admits they happen, acknowledging that “sometimes emotions, on the contrary, help you rise and cheer up.” It’s a pragmatic view that recognizes the raw, human element in competitive sport, where even friction can be a catalyst.
A Final Word of Wisdom: Believe, Trust, Work
For those contemplating a dive into the world of rugby, Rybaulin offers straightforward, powerful advice:
- Work hard: “Only then will everything come.”
- Believe in yourself: The foundation of individual performance.
- Trust your partners: “Because trust in the team is very important. It will help you reach the top.”
His words encapsulate the essence of rugby – a sport where individual effort merges seamlessly with collective trust to forge enduring success. Artem Rybaulin`s story is not just about a player or a club; it’s a narrative about dedication, the evolution of sport, and the unchanging values that bind a team together, forever proving that some traditions are, indeed, eternal.
