Former Dragons and Ospreys boss Lyn Jones is expected to be appointed new head coach of Russia.
The 54-year-old, who won five caps for Wales as a flanker, has been working as a coaching consultant at Neath RFC.
A statement by the Russian rugby federation said there was a “unanimous decision to preliminarily approve his candidacy for the post of head coach”.
Should Jones be appointed, he will hold the role once held by fellow former Welsh flanker Kingsley Jones.