DERBY City rugby league player Jon Doughty is off to Russia next week to represent the Midlands Lionhearts.
Doughty has been selected for the tour as part of a 19-man regional squad.
The players fly out on Wednesday and take on a Moscow select side in the Red Arrow Stadium on Friday.
Two days later, on Sunday, they are due to face a Russia select side in Moscow’s Vereya Stadium.
Doughty, who has just turned 46 and is “the eldest on the tour by around 10 years-plus”, sees the call-up as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’ve been playing rugby for more than 30 years and rugby league for only two but this is the high point,” he said.
“Russia have been playing the game since 1991 and it’s well known they can produce big, skilful players.
“A fair few have been taken on by clubs in this country to aid their development and although none have yet made the grade, we don’t underestimate them.
“They are ranked seventh in Europe and 15th in the world.
“They are now into their 2014 international programme, having recently beaten Ukraine 24–18.”
The Lionhearts are coached by Patrick Wilson (Northampton Demons) and Dean Thompson (Coventry Dragons).
“We had a terrific warm-up match recently against Premier champions Telford Raiders and we had our last training session in Coventry last week,” said Doughty.
“We mix really well as a team and push each other hard in training, so there is no lack of confidence.
“Ten teams from the Midlands are represented and it’s interesting that some players come from teams higher and lower in the Midlands Leagues than Derby.
“We are all now looking forward to the matches and putting on a good show for the Midlands.”
Doughty is feeling confident about his own form going into the trip, having stepped up to the Midlands Premier League with Derby this term.
“I’ve been selected in my usual position at hooker,” he said. “In the modern game, it’s the hooker who sets the pace and direction of the side after each tackle, so I have to be at the top of my game.
“With us moving up to the Premier League this year, I feel my game and game awareness has improved a lot as we have faced some very well disciplined sides, where a good start is essential and any mistakes are quickly punished.”
DERBY went down 36-20 at home to Birmingham Bulldogs in their latest Premier League match.
Jack Pearce (2), Lewis Thompson and Will Smith got the hosts’ tries.
Derby’s Merit side were edged out 22-18 by Buxton in their most recent outing.
Doughty bagged a couple of tries, with Owen Gregory and Adam Walker also touching down.
Rugby league: Derby City man off on tour to Russia with Midlands Lionhearts
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