VVA Podmoskovye, one of the leading rugby clubs in Russia, has joined the Saracens global network.
The club will now be known as VVA Saracens, Moscow region, and will compete as such in the World Club Sevens at Twickenham this weekend.
Rifkat Sattarov, chairman of VVA Saracens, said: “The partnership with Saracens is a fantastic opportunity for VVA Saracens to develop the club both on and off the pitch. VVA Saracens will receive coaching, community and administrative support from one of the top clubs in Europe, which will help us improve all areas of our club.”
Nigel Wray, Saracens chairman, said: “We are delighted to have found such outstanding partners in Russia. From our visits to Moscow and their visits to north London, it is clear VVA Saracens are an ambitious organisation including more than 30 professional players and enjoying the enthusiastic support of the Moscow regional government. We look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead, and we wish them well at Twickenham on Saturday.”
Under the innovative agreement, Saracens will send senior and community coaches to Moscow each year, promoting rugby-related CSR activities, and at least one young Russian will have the opportunity to win a place in the Saracens Academy each year. VVA Saracens have adopted a new logo, and will wear the same jersey as the north London club.
VVA Saracens joins Abu Dhabi Saracens and Toa Saracens as members of the Saracens global network, with more announcements to follow.