20 Questions: Vasily Artemyev – Northampton wing

How’s your season been so far?
It’s been very challenging but very enjoyable. Northampton‘s a good place to be and a great place to play rugby.
Been a bit dodgy results-wise?
We’ve had a few injuries and haven’t been on top form recently. We started the season well but then lost a few close games, but it’s still early in the season and there’s no panic.
Enjoying being with Russia now for the International Series in Colwyn Bay?
It’s my first involvement with them since the World Cup and it’s great to meet up with some old friends. It’s good to shift the focus towards playing for my country, which is a big thing for me.
Is Russian rugby improving?
Definitely. The whole organisation and coaching has come a long way since I first got involved three years ago. Lots of young players are coming through and it’s good to see that happening.
You’re not the only Russian in the Premiership now, are you?
No, there’s Kirill Kulemin at London Welsh and Andrei Ostrikov at Sale and more guys will be looking to play here. The internationals are a good chance for players to put their marker down.
How did you get involved in rugby?
When I was nine or ten, I started playing with my home town club just outside Moscow. Then, when I was 15, I went to Ireland and happened to get into Blackrock College, which is a big rugby school.
Why Ireland… was your father a diplomat?
No, nothing like that. My parents just wanted to send me for a year to learn English and by chance I ended up staying at Blackrock for quite a long time.
When did you realise rugby might offer a career?
I went back to Russia in 2008 and started playing for Podmoskovye, then in 2009 I got involved with the national team. Northampton got in touch through my agent in the spring of 2011 and I signed my first Saints contract shortly after.
If not a rugby player, what would you have done?
I did law at college so I’d have been involved in the legal profession.
Other sports you like?
I enjoy athletics and loved the Olympics. I used to be a fan of Spartak Moscow but I don’t really follow football anymore.
Another sportsman you’d like to be?
I’d have loved have been a sprinter, so maybe a Russian version of Usain Bolt!
How do you chill-out?
I like to read and watch movies. I’m a big fan of sci-fi and have recently been reading a lot from Dean Koontz, an American writer on the paranormal.
Enjoy cooking?
Sometimes, but most of the cooking is done by my Russian girlfriend. She keeps me up to date with the latest Russian cuisine and I’m happy with that.
Favourite Russian dish?
Borsh! It’s a beetroot soup, which doesn’t sound very appealing but it’s very famous in Russia. It’s cooked with beef and potatoes.
Best banter at Saints?
George Pisi is always a good laugh. He’s always in a good mood first thing. Paul Diggin takes a lot of stick for being the old man of the club.
What would you change about rugby?
It’s the best game to watch as a spectacle, but if I could change something I’d maybe reduce the amount of players by one or two to make it more open.
Tell us something unusual about Russia head coach Kingsley Jones?
He’s picked up a lot of Russian cursing words! It’s simpler for him to communicate, though, because the words can be used in lots of different situations.
Do Russian players respond better to a few profanities?
The donkeys do! It works particularly well with some of our big props who don’t speak English.
Enjoy the last World Cup?
It was massive and I’ve got very good memories. New Zealand‘s a very special place for any rugby player and I’d love to play in the next one here in England.
Ambitions in life?
To visit New Zealand and Australia as a tourist. There’s a lot more to experience there.