Victor Gresev has been voted Russia's player of the year for his man-of-the-match performances at the Rugby World Cup.
Gresev, 25, was recognized as the driving force behind Russia's suprisingly high-impact debut at the tournament this fall, earning wide praise for his rampaging ball-carrying performances as No. 8.
He was named man of the match against Italy and Australia, games in which Russia displayed considerable resilience despite losing. The St. Petersburg-born player made it onto the International Rugby Board's forwards-of-the-tournament list, and earlier this month announced he would join English second-tier side Nottingham.
Gresev's second player-of-the-year award - he also won in 2009 - is to be officially announced on Tuesday.
"It's really great, and a bit unexpected at the same time," Gresev told RIA Novosti. "Lots of other players also deserved it."
The winner of the accolade is voted for by the coaches of Russia's 15 top-flight clubs.
Gresev said earlier this month he hopes to follow compatriots Vasily Artemyev and Andrey Ostrikov into England's top-tier Aviva Premiership, and has a get-out clause with Nottingham allowing him to leave if a suitable offer comes in. Winger Artemyev is with the Northampton Saints, while Ostrikov plays lock for Sale Sharks.
Despite his performances this year, Gresev won't be taking a starting place Nottingham for granted.
"No one has guaranteed me a place in the main team or the reserves," he said. "I'll come and show them what I'm capable of, that I'm worthy of a starting place."
