English Premiership rugby team London Wasps on Wednesday signed Vladislav Korshunov and Viktor Gresev, two of Russia's star players from the 2011 World Cup.
Korshunov is the hooker and captain of the Russian national team, which came close to a shock win over Italy at the World Cup in New Zealand, while Gresev is a No. 8 who was Russia's Player of the Year in 2009 and 2011.
Both players were signed from the VVA-Podmoskovye team based near Moscow, and their signings take the total number of Russians in English rugby to four. They will provide cover for more established names, the club said in a statement.
"These are two players who impressed at the World Cup and they will add strength in depth to the squad for the rest of the season giving us options in key areas," London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said.
Korshunov told RIA Novosti: "It was all unexpected. They offered and I couldn't refuse." He confirmed he had received a work permit to play for Wasps.
"I want to show my good side, show that Russians are good players. Vasya [Artemyev] has proved that, Andrei [Ostrikov] also plays in the first team. I should also move forward, so that people talk about Russian players, take notice of us, so our young players will have opportunities in the future."
Artemyev currently plays for Northampton Saints, where he attracted attention by scoring a hat trick on his debut against Sarancens in the LV Cup in 2011. Ostrikov joined Sale Sharks after the World Cup and has played one game so far.
Korshunov said that there was a mystical element to the move. "I studied English for two months. I knew straight away that I was going somewhere. God must have helped," he said.
Gresev had been in negotiations with English second-tier side Nottingham. "They told me I had to wait a bit," he told RIA Novosti.
"And I, roughly speaking, sat and waited and then came an offer from London Wasps. I decided to take it."
Gresev said he was surprised that Wasps were struggling in the Aviva Premiership, where they are currently ranked 11th of 12 teams. "I watched their matches. London Wasps are a good team, they have a choice of high-quality players, so I don't get why the situation is like this."
February 4 could see England's first Premiership game between two teams containing Russian players, when Wasps take on Northampton in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
Gresev said: "I'd be pleased to play and I'll try to break into the team. Moreover, there's a chance to play against Vasily [Artemev] - I'd really like that."
