A touring party of 43 from the Russian city of Krasnayar will arrive in Christchurch today to immerse themselves into Canterbury and Crusaders rugby.

The Russians will be based in Christchurch for just over three weeks and will receive specialist coaching as part of the CRFU International High Performance Unit which is managed by John Haggart.

The players, from the Krasnayar club (which competes in a fully professional league), will play six games while in Christchurch.

Their arrival is especially significant with the recent qualification to the 2011 Rugby World Cup of Russia and Georgia. Several in the Krasnayar squad will represent Russia in the tournament.

The city of Krasnayar is in Siberia and the players must travel long distances for away games – often by plane and train.

Haggart said: “We’re all very excited about welcoming the Krasnayar players into the Canterbury and Crusaders rugby environment.

“They are very enthusiastic about the game and they certainly have the size and bulk to be very good players. The players and coaches will get specialist advice from Canterbury and Crusaders coaches and trainers which should help take their game to the next level.”

Their first taste of rugby proper will be at a tournament at Oxford on Sunday, March 14.

They also play games against Glenmark B, Kaiapoi, Shirley, Darfield and Marist Albion.