Russia warming to task in World Cup preparations

IRELAND’s rugby World Cup pool C opponents — Russia — are suffering in the New Zealand heat as they ramp up their preparations for the tournament.

The Russians are enduring 20 degree temperatures in the North Island, as they get some vital outdoor training ahead of September’s World Cup. During the camp they will play a number of local Kiwi teams over the next few weeks.

It is a long way from the freezing temperatures these players normally experience, as New Plymouth — the Irish base for the World Cup — bakes under the strong Southern Hemisphere sun.