Including their years competing as the Soviet Union, the Russian women's team are the most successful in the history of women's volleyball. They are the most decorated team in the FIVB World Championship with seven gold medals - more than double that of Japan and Cuba, the next best sides on three apiece. This year they will compete in the event for the 17th, having only missed the 1967 competition.
Russia finished fifth in the last edition of the World Championship, after previously winning back-to-back titles, both with 3-2 wins over Brazil in 2006 in Osaka and 2010 in Tokyo.
It is not just World Championship success. Russia have also topped the podium at the Olympic Games, winning gold at the Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972, Moscow 1980 and Seoul 1988 Games.
In addition, they have been crowned European Championship 19 times - their latest successes coming back to back, in 2013 (with a 3-1 win over Germany in the final) and 2015 (with a 3-0 win over the Netherlands).
Recent form has seen Russia take a step back but the team will be looking to get back amongst the medals in Japan this year.