The Taganiy Rog Rugby-7 team recently concluded their participation in the Magnit Russian Rugby-7 Cup, securing a fifth-place finish in the highly competitive tournament. Following the campaign, Head Coach Anton Levchenko shared his reflections on the team`s journey, the challenges encountered, and his determined outlook for the future.
Levchenko revealed that the team approached the Cup with “serious ambitions” and comprehensive preparation. The early rounds of the championship provided encouraging signs, with the squad demonstrating the capability to “fight on equal terms with leaders” and even claim significant victories. This initial success, he noted, served to “inspire and give confidence” to the relatively young squad.
It is crucial context, as Levchenko highlights, that this Taganiy Rog collective is relatively new, having been assembled and working together for “only half a year.” The path towards achieving “big victories” is acknowledged as a journey still in its early stages, with team cohesion and strategy continuously developing.
However, the inherently dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Rugby-7 presented significant hurdles during the tournament itself. “Serious difficulties” manifested early on with the unfortunate loss of “two key players due to injuries,” impacting squad depth and tactical options.
Adding to the competitive pressure, the team found itself playing a substantial portion of a decisive match shorthanded due to disciplinary infringements. Levchenko attributed these penalties, stemming in part from the players` intense drive, to “an excessive desire to win” – a common, if somewhat counterproductive, outcome when passion momentarily overrides tactical discipline and composure on the field.
Despite these substantial setbacks and the demanding nature of the competition, the coach expressed profound pride in the effort and spirit shown by his players. He specifically lauded their “dedication, fight to the end, and desire not to give up,” underscoring the resilience demonstrated under pressure.
The tournament experience, although not culminating in a top-tier podium finish, is unequivocally viewed by the coaching staff as “valuable.” Levchenko confirmed that the team has “drawn conclusions and become stronger” as a direct result of their Cup campaign. He also extended gratitude to the club`s management for their continued trust and essential support.
With a foundation now further solidified and built upon “a powerful, ambitious collective,” the Head Coach concluded his reflections with unwavering optimism about what lies ahead:
I am confident – our big victories are ahead!
The Magnit Cup campaign for Taganiy Rog Rugby-7, while presenting clear challenges and highlighting areas for development, appears to have served as a critical learning step. By facing adversity, gaining vital competitive experience against varied opponents, and identifying areas for strategic and disciplinary refinement, the team and its coach appear determined to build purposefully on this foundation and pursue future successes with renewed strength and ambitious resolve.
