Victor Gresev

London Wasps added Russian duo Vladislav Korshunov and Victor Gresev to their squad in January 2012 on contracts until the end of the season.

Gresev, the Russian player of the year in 2011, was a driving force behind his country's World Cup debut earning wide praise for his rampaging performances at number 8.

He was named man of the match against Italy and Australia, games in which Russia displayed considerable resilience in defeat. The St. Petersburg-born player made it onto the International Rugby Board's forwards-of-the-tournament list alongside the likes of Thierry Dusautoir and Richie McCaw.