Russia name new rugby coach

Moscow - Alexander Pervukhin has been named the new head coach of Russia's rugby team, the Russian Rugby Federation said on their website.

He takes over from Frenchman Raphael Saint-Andre, who had been in charge since May and oversaw eight matches including four wins and four defeats.

Russia missed out on a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when they were beaten in a two-legged playoff by Uruguay in October.

Pervukhin has coached the Yenisey-STM club from Krasnoyarsk for several years, helping them to six national titles.

He must now decide whether he will combine both roles, or concentrate solely on the national team.