As the song goes - it’s a small world after all. And it’s safe to say that the global rugby community is even smaller, as former Cardiff Blues lock James Down found out recently.
Following 12 seasons and 132 appearances at the Arms Park, the academy graduate’s time with his home region came to an end last summer, and decided to pack his bags and jet off for a new, exciting adventure in Russian rugby.
The lifelong Cardiff fan joined Russian Rugby Championship side, Lokomotiv Penza, in July, and has been enjoying his rugby since arriving in eastern Europe - with his side top of a league which includes regular Challenge Cup competitors such as Enisei-STM and Krasny Yar.
However, it didn’t take long for Down to bump into a Cardiff Blues connection, as he recently explained on the latest episode of the Cardiff Blues Podcast.
“We were only a couple of games into the season, and I saw the name ‘Arhip’ on the team sheet for the opposing team,” explained the former Wales under-20 international.
“I quickly realised that was Dima’s [Cardiff Blues prop, Dmitri] brother.
“He plays at number six for a very good team in Krasny Yar, and yet again he’s a very strong boy.
“He played very well and is the captain of the team, and it was interesting to come up against him.
“I had a small chat with Dima to check if they were related and after the game I made sure to say hello as well and introduce myself.
“It’s funny to think that you can be so far away but still have these connections through rugby.”
On the podcast, the academy graduate also reflected on his time with Cardiff Blues - from coming through the ranks playing alongside cult heroes Paul Tito and Xavier Rush to breaking his leg in a famous European win over Racing 92; and from Challenge Cup success to the un-matched atmosphere of festive derbies.
However, it’s been a bit of a journey into the unknown for Down, who admitted he was seeking new and exciting experiences, having spent the majority of his career with his home club.
When you consider the baltic temperatures, a brand new language and a complete change in culture, it’s safe to say the lock has found what he was looking for, and he hopes he’s witnessing the start of Russia’s rise in world rugby.
“So far it’s been really good, and I’m having a good time. I’m really enjoying my rugby out here and the lifestyle has also been great,” added Down.
“As you’d expect, it’s a lot different to back home, especially with the weather. It’s currently minus 10 outside, so that’s taken a little bit of getting used to, as well as the language of course.
“The guys have been telling me it’s only going to get colder, and it’s not unusual in Penza for it to go down to minus 20 or 25 as we get into the New Year, so it’ll be interesting to see how cold it feels when it drops down to those temperatures.
“Luckily, there’s a mid-season break coming in for the winter because most places in Russia will be frozen solid. We’re training indoors at the moment as there are some really good indoor facilities here, as well as the odd session on the 4G pitch which is outside and attached to our stadium.
“I was looking for a new experience and opportunity as I was coming to the end of my contract with Cardiff Blues and my agent called me up to speak about Russia.
“He was a bit taken aback as well I think, but I was after a really good experience after playing in the UK for 12 or 13 years - with the Blues for most of that and the one year at London Welsh.
“This was something completely different and it really excited me to have a new challenge and immerse myself in a new culture and learn about a new country. It ticked all the boxes.
“Most of the boys here are Russian, but there’s quite a few South Africans in the league as well as a few Georgians, so they bring that physicality and forward dominance to the league.
“But Russia are looking forward to doing something similar to what’s happened in Japan when you look at the last 10 years. Japanese rugby has gone from strength to strength, and Russia wants to do that.
“I can’t see any reason why not. The country is so big and there are so many opportunities for players to come through, it’s suited to the sort of sports they’re in to. You look at ice hockey, which is very physical and they like that side of it.
“They’re very competitive people and all their Olympics achievements are celebrated in all the cities. Rugby has a big opportunity here, and they’ll be looking to challenge to host the Rugby World Cup further down the line, which would be interesting to see.
“The indoor facilities here are incredible and in place, so it’s only a matter of time until we see Russian rugby taking that next step.
“Physicality-wise, it’s as tough as anywhere you’d find, but there’s stuff like game management that they’re learning, while it’s something we take for granted back in the UK.
“But that’s just something that will take time and that’s why we should keep an eye out on Russian rugby.”
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