Benefactor
Leonid Denbnovetskyi is a pioneer of Ukrainian rugby, an Honoured Coach of Ukraine, former Head Coach of the Ukrainian National Rugby Team (1993–1995), and author of This Is Rugby.
A legendary figure in Ukrainian rugby, he devoted over 60 years of his life to the sport as a player and coach. Teams under his guidance won nearly 30 championship titles across various leagues and age categories.
Contribution
Generously donated a personally signed copy of his autobiographical book This Is Rugby, together with a selection of medals from his own sporting career.
These personal treasures enrich the Rugby Coin Museum’s collection and preserve a remarkable chapter of Ukrainian rugby history for future generations.
May you be surrounded by passionate rugby enthusiasts who truly appreciate your work! May your collection continue to grow with new exhibits, all in honour of rugby!
Leonid Denbnovetskyi
From a handwritten letter, October 5, 2026
Biography
Leonid Denbnovetskyi is one of the pioneering figures of Ukrainian rugby. Beginning his coaching career in 1968, he dedicated more than half a century to developing the sport, remaining involved in coaching until 2025.
He worked with numerous clubs, including Dynamo Kyiv, Polytechnic Kyiv, Sokil Lviv and KSK-DYUSSH Irpin. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Head Coach of Ukraine’s National Rugby Team during the early years of the country’s independence.
His greatest legacy extends far beyond trophies. Generations of rugby players developed under his guidance, carrying his knowledge, discipline and passion for the game onto rugby fields across Ukraine and beyond.
Achievements
National Team Leadership: Served as one of the early head coaches of independent Ukraine’s national rugby team from 1993 to 1995.
Championship Success: Across his long career, teams he coached won nearly 30 championship and league titles in various age categories and divisions, including rugby union (15s) and rugby sevens.
Youth Development: His youth teams achieved 11 championship victories in just seven years, demonstrating his exceptional ability to develop future generations of rugby players.
Literary Legacy: Author of This Is Rugby, a personal account of decades devoted to the sport, preserving invaluable memories of Ukrainian rugby’s development.
Lifetime Dedication: More than 55 years of coaching, mentoring and contributing to the growth of rugby in Ukraine.
Museum Note
A medal tells the story of a victory. A coach helps create the people who make those victories possible.
We are deeply honoured to preserve personal medals and a signed book donated by Leonid Denbnovetskyi, a man whose influence reaches far beyond the rugby field.
His contribution to the Rugby Coin Museum is more than a generous gift. It is a piece of living rugby history, entrusted to us for future generations.
