From Scrum to Spotlight: Daria Shestakova’s New Chapter and the Pulse of Russian Rugby

In the dynamic world of professional sports, careers are often fleeting, defined by peak physical performance and unwavering dedication. But what happens when the final whistle blows? For Daria Shestakova, a former stalwart of CSKA Rugby Club and the Russian national team, it`s not an ending, but a fascinating new beginning – one that bridges the robust world of rugby with the captivating realm of media.

Beyond the Scrum: The Glamour and Grit of TV

Shestakova`s post-rugby life is as active as her playing days, albeit with a different set of challenges. She currently serves as an ambassador for CSKA Rugby Club, maintaining her connection to the sport she loves. However, her most intriguing pursuit is her studies at Ostankino, a renowned media school in Moscow, where she`s honing her skills to become a television presenter. “I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, `My goodness! I was just born for TV!`” she quips, her humor underscoring a serious career transition. This new path, she admits, is a “completely different world” compared to the disciplined routine of a professional athlete. Learning about camera work, speech techniques, and the intricate choreography of a live broadcast has pushed her brain into uncharted territory, proving to be both demanding and immensely rewarding.

The State of Play: Russian Women`s Rugby-7 Landscape

Despite her new ventures, Shestakova remains a keen observer of Russian women`s rugby. Her insights into the current Championship are both hopeful and critical. She notes the emergence of promising new teams like “Argat” from Ust-Labinsk and “Zilant” from Kazan, signaling a healthy expansion of the sport. Yet, she points out the struggles of traditional powerhouses like “Yenisey-STM” and “Krasny Yar,” advocating for strategic changes, increased funding, and a fresh influx of talent. “Yenisey-STM needs to change something,” she states bluntly, a sentiment echoed for “Krasny Yar,” where she hopes the legendary Bayzat Khamidova will eventually take the head coach role. Shestakova emphasizes the irreplaceable value of experienced players—veterans like Navrat Khamidova and Anna Ermolaeva—whose international exposure adds crucial depth and mentorship to newer clubs like “Rostov-DGTU,” proving that age is but a number when it comes to on-field wisdom.

The Economics of Grit: Professionalism in Russian Rugby

The conversation naturally steers towards the professionalization of rugby in Russia. Shestakova confirms that players in top-tier teams can now sustain themselves solely through rugby, a significant leap forward. “If you play for the top teams, you are, in principle, a professional athlete who only does this,” she explains. This shift, she notes, largely stems from rugby-7`s inclusion in the Olympic program, which elevated the sport`s profile and financial viability, particularly for women. While it might not fund a large family, it offers a decent living for an individual, allowing athletes to dedicate themselves fully to their demanding training regimes.

Roaring Crowds and Empty Seats: A Global Perspective on Rugby Fandom

Shestakova’s international playing career provided her with a unique perspective on global rugby fandom. Paris, Dubai, and Sydney stand out as her favorite stadiums, not just for their pristine fields, but for the electric atmosphere generated by thousands of passionate fans. “When you play matches and there are 40,000 people, what kind of atmosphere can it be? It`s exhilarating, impossible to put into words and absolutely unforgettable!” she reminisces. Her experience in the United States, however, was particularly curious. She recalls the Rugby World Cup 2018 in San Francisco, where taxi drivers and casual acquaintances, unfamiliar with rugby, flocked to matches simply because it was “what`s happening in the city.” This unique American inclination to attend major events, regardless of prior interest, baffled and impressed her, a stark contrast to the quiet home games she sometimes encountered where only “half a gravedigger” (a wonderfully cynical Russian idiom) showed up.

From Pitch to Public: Popularizing Rugby

The discussion then pivots to the vital task of popularizing rugby in Russia. Shestakova highlights the effectiveness of initiatives like Vasily Artemiev`s tag-rugby leagues, which introduce new audiences to the sport. These “small cogs,” including school tag-rugby leagues, spark interest not just in children but also in their parents, creating a ripple effect. She shares a heartwarming anecdote of a taxi driver recognizing her from a radio interview, expressing newfound interest in the sport, and even asking for an autograph. This unexpected encounter perfectly illustrates how seemingly small media engagements can significantly broaden rugby`s appeal beyond its existing fanbase. It’s a gentle reminder that every interview, every public appearance, serves as a vital touchpoint, drawing curious minds into the world of scrums and tries.

A Sister`s Bond, A Warrior`s Scars

Daria`s rugby journey began in 2014 in Chelyabinsk, alongside her twin sister Arina, lured by the promise of a trip to Moscow and a novel sport after playing amateur American football. Their shared path was “cool” until they found themselves on opposing sides in competing clubs. “It was such a strange feeling: you kind of have to play, but you don`t want to hit your sister,” she recalls with a laugh. She humorously recounts a game where Arina, despite promising “no dirt,” delivered a crushing tackle, justifying it with a simple, “Well, what to do — you took the ball!” The early days of national team selection brought a different kind of challenge, as Arina made the main squad for the 2015 Dubai World Series while Daria didn`t. Though initially “offended” and “very upset,” Daria’s disappointment was short-lived, as her hard work earned her a spot in the next stage in Brazil. It`s a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit.

Currently, her focus is not on the field, but on rehabilitation. Daria has faced a daunting series of injuries: two Achilles tendons, both shoulders, and an elbow surgery prior to her rugby career. While her shoulders are now “completely fine,” the Achilles injuries present a significant hurdle. “After such injuries, people rarely return,” she admits soberly. Yet, at under 30, she notes the growing number of players aged 35+ and even those returning after childbirth, like Alena Tiron, who scores “6 tries in matches” a year after giving birth. This observation underscores a shifting paradigm in women`s rugby, where experience and passion can extend careers well beyond previous expectations.

The Path Ahead: Russia`s Rugby-7 on the International Stage

When asked about the potential return of the Russian women`s rugby-7 team to the international arena, Shestakova`s assessment is realistic. Having recently observed the World Series in Los Angeles, she acknowledges the “crazy speeds and pace of the game.” While an initial “euphoria” and a hunger to compete might propel the seasoned squad—comprising mostly veterans who have missed the international stage—to a strong initial performance (perhaps a top-eight finish or even higher), the long-term outlook is more challenging. “It would be very tough,” she warns, citing the formidable progress of teams like China. Rebuilding would necessitate “starting from scratch”—not from absolute zero, given their past achievements, but a significant re-evaluation and adaptation. She predicts “a year of sweating it out in the lower ranks” before they can truly contend again. This period would, however, be crucial for integrating young talents like Kira Aleshina, who, alongside veterans like Nadezhda Sozonova and Kristina Seredina, can gain invaluable experience to bridge the gap created by years of international absence.

A Forward-Looking Game

Daria Shestakova`s journey is a compelling narrative of transition and unwavering dedication. From the intensity of professional rugby to the bright lights of a television studio, she embodies the spirit of an athlete continually pushing boundaries. Her candid observations offer a vital pulse-check on Russian women`s rugby, highlighting both its burgeoning potential and the significant challenges ahead. Whether as an ambassador, a media personality, or perhaps even a returning player, Shestakova remains a passionate advocate for the sport, her insights painting a vivid picture of a game that is always moving forward, both on and off the field.