Rugby World Cup: Talks in progress over Maori tour to Russia

Hosea Gear could be in action on Russian soil next year. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Maori could play a series of games in Russia next year, with the New Zealand Rugby Union fielding a raft of offers for the indigenous side.

With the Rugby World Cup here, numerous officials from a variety of different countries have engaged in talks about hosting tests against the All Blacks and the Maori.

The Russians are particularly keen to host the Maori as they are determined to grow the sport quickly following their successful inaugural World Cup.

While the Russians didn't win a game, they did score eight tries, a major achievement. But despite acquitting themselves well and avoiding the kind of trouncing many thought they would take, coach Nikolay Nerush decided to resign once the team arrived home.

His decision epitomises the ambition in Russia and one of the keys to their growth as an international force is playing games against top opposition.

Neil Sorensen, NZRU general manager professional rugby, said: "Being the host country for the Rugby World Cup 2011 has given us a unique opportunity to connect with some very influential international visitors who have shown interest in our brand of rugby.

"It's been suggested that the New Zealand Maori team could play international fixtures against other RWC 2011 nations, including Russia.

"We're really excited that there is so much interest in our rugby, but it's too early to say whether a tour to Russia is possible as we'd have to work our way through a number of logistical issues, including timing.

"We are looking at a number of options as we are committed to a programme for New Zealand Maori in 2012."

The Maori played three games last year to celebrate their centenary and the NZRU are hopeful of securing a meaningful schedule again next year. Visiting Russia would be a rare rugby experience but one that may become more common in the future.

The Russians are hosting the 2013 sevens World Cup and have announced that they will also be bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"During our board meeting, RRU president Vyacheslav Kopyev stated that Russia would lodge a formal bid to host the World Cup in 2023," the union said on its website.

"The Russian team had a respectable showing in New Zealand, scoring eight tries - a great achievement for the World Cup debutants. Still, we fell short of our main objective - we could not win against the United States.

"One of our objectives is to win the rugby sevens World Cup in 2013 and also compete in a [15-a-side] World Cup on a regular basis."

Considerable investment has been made in rugby stadia across the country and with sevens due to be part of the Olympics, Government funding is likely to pour into Russian rugby.