On March 14, 2025, the draw for the PARI Russian Rugby Cup 2025 took place at VTB Arena, the central Dynamo Stadium named after Lev Yashin, creating buzz among rugby fans and teams alike. The event set the stage for the upcoming matches, generating excitement about who would compete for the prestigious title.
The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 2, with thrilling matchups outlined during the draw. Among the noted pairings are:
- Metallurg vs. Lokomotiv
- VVA-Podmoskovye vs. Yenisey-STM
- Dynamo vs. Krasny Yar
- Strela-Ak Bars vs. Slava
The semi-finals will follow from July 25 to July 28, focusing on potential pairings such as Metallurg or Lokomotiv against Dynamo or Krasny Yar, and the winner of the Slava or Strela-Ak Bars match facing either VVA-Podmoskovye or Yenisey-STM.
Lokomotiv-Penza, participating through the draw, starts their tournament campaign with an away match against Metallurg set to occur in Novokuznetsk. This pivotal match is not just any engagement; it marks Lokomotiv-Penza's opportunity to showcase their strength early on. Other quarter-final matchups will see Yenisey-STM facing VVA-Podmoskovye at Monino, Krasny Yar taking on Dynamo within Moscow, and Slava competing against Strela-Ak Bars, also happening in the city.
With the quarter-final matches fast approaching, rugby enthusiasts are eager to see which teams will advance to the semi-finals, and how their respective journeys will pan out. Should Lokomotiv-Penza succeed against Metallurg, they stand ready to host the winner of the Krasny Yar vs. Dynamo match, bringing the excitement closer to home.
The entire tournament culminating with the final, scheduled for September 7, at VTB Arena, promises to keep spectators on the edge of their seats as they rally behind their favorite teams. The competition not only highlights the rich rugby heritage of Russia but also brings together communities united by sport.
Fans from across the nation are encouraged to follow their teams, engage with the atmosphere, and support their local rugby clubs. The anticipation is palpable as teams prepare for what is expected to be thrilling displays of talent and strategy representative of Russian rugby.
Expectations are high, and the rugby community is ready for excitement to fill the air as the tournament progresses. The question remains—who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted PARI Russian Rugby Cup?
This draw signals the beginning of intense competition among some of the best rugby teams in the country, and as teams finalize their preparations, the spirit of the sport will be felt deeply across all corners of Russia.