Former Wales flanker Kingsley Jones will take charge of the Russian national team on a short-term deal starting next week.
Jones left his role as director of rugby at English premiership side Sale Sharks earlier this year when the club re-structured and brought in former Russia head coach Steve Diamond.
Now Russia, who are in the middle of their 2011 European Nations Cup campaign have called upon Jones to help them out until the end of the tournament.
“They unfortunately lost last time out against Portugal and they’re quite keen to get someone involved as soon as possible,” said 10-times capped Jones.
“They play Romania a week next Saturday, I’ll be travelling out there to try and help them… it’s a bit of a challenge, the last game is Georgia who are a reasonable side.
“It’s a chance to experience a different culture and hopefully I can help them in that period.
“At the end of March I’ll sit down, I haven’t committed to the World Cup with them. I still want to look at what other options are out there.”
After qualifying for next September’s World Cup in New Zealand, Russia have been drawn in Pool C alongside Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States.
