Rugby and sevens aren't big in Russia, but Anna Baranchuk, left, and Kristina Seredina turned professional after being invited to give sevens a go. They're professionals, part of the 16-woman squad Russia has sent to the HSBC Rugby NZ Sevens in Hamilton. Handball was her domain, and she'd just finished her career when the manager of the national rugby sevens team suggested a code change. Now she's played for ten years - three of those in the the national team - she's captivated by the speed of sevens. Because of that, she more naturally leans toward 15-a-side - which both she and Seredina have played for their national team.

Source: Stuff January 24, 2020 06:33 UTC