English Southern Conference side, the Gloucestershire-based All Golds, has helped ensure the re-start of the Russian Rugby League season.
In the first match to be played since lockdown, in snowy Moscow, two selection sides from the capital, Sparta and Grand, played an exhibition match under the organisation of ARLC president Aleksandr Kolikov.
The teams wore kit donated by the All Golds.
“The jerseys and equipment provided will be of huge help for the nation, this is a great step forward for the game as the sport rebuilds itself,” said Kolikov.
All Golds Chairman Lionel Hurst said: “It pleased us greatly to make a gift of kit and equipment to the Russian Federation and seeing it being worn and used by the sides in the history-making match in Moscow was especially memorable.”
The ARLC has also been boosted by its acceptance by the Federation of National and Non-Olympic Sports in Russia, which is headed by former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov.
Kolikov noted: “Cooperation with Anatoly Karpov and the Federation of National and Non-Olympic Sports is big step for us. We have sent a report on the development of Rugby League in the Russian Federation, it was positively received and now we wait to make an appointment for a formal meeting.”
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