The Russian revealed he was in discussions with "several new sponsors" in a bid to increase the organisation’s funds and help to unlock the continent’s "untapped potential".

The election is scheduled to take place on December 4, with the deputy chairman of the Russian Rugby Federation (FRR) poised to run against current President Octavian Morariu of Romania.

Morariu, a member of the International Olympic Committee, has led the organisation since 2013 and is currently serving his second term.

Yashenkov feels Rugby Europe had "stagnated" in recent years and claimed he would bring "big change" to the organisation.

"My dream is to see rugby prosper across Europe where there is so much untapped potential and interest in moving to promising directions," Yashenkov said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all of us and has also highlighted where we can improve our sport.

"The development of rugby outside of Six Nations countries and unions has stagnated in several years in my opinion and the pandemic has shed light on this.

"Our continent needs big change urgently and I have full confidence that I am the person that can bring this organisation to the next level."

Yashenkov pledged to provide "comprehensive support" to all 47 member unions and "renovate" all tournaments run by Rugby Europe.

To achieve his plans, Yashenkov said he was looking to secure new sponsorships which would help him create a "new European club tournament".

He claimed it would be "similar" to the European Rugby Continental Shield - Europe’s third-tier tournament which was discontinued in 2019.

"Funding is not more difficult because I have an intention to sign an agreement with several new sponsors which are close to me and are ready to support the organisation," Yashenkov insisted.

"I believe we will sign the agreement in the last weekend of December or the first weekend of January.

"I have an intention to double the budget of Rugby Europe within the next two years.

"If I will be able to get this, I am sure that I will be able to implement all my ideas."

There has long been talk of the Six Nations creating promotion and relegation to allow a nation the chance to reach the tournament from the Rugby Europe Championship.

Yashenkov admitted Georgia were the only team "knocking at the front door", but conceded it would be "difficult" for another country to break into the Six Nations.

However, the Russian official has welcomed further discussion over World Rugby’s proposals to launch a 12-team world league in the future.

"World Rugby should cooperate and interact with all unions interested in a big tournament because for some it will be very exciting and for others I am not sure as they may lose the amount of international matches," Yashenkov added.

Last month, the FRR announced it was looking to bid to stage the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

Russia has never hosted the competition and would face competition from Australia for the 2027 edition, while an American bid has also been proposed.

Europe is due to stage the next Rugby World Cup, in 2023, with France the host.

Yashenkov said staging rugby union's showpiece event was one of Russia's "biggest proposals", but felt it would be "premature" to discuss the matter.

"I am aware Russia wants to have the right to host the World Cup and as a Russian citizen I love this idea," Yashenkov said.

"I hope they will do it but now I want to focus on my election campaign.

"I think we should not discuss the issue of the World Cup because this is too early.

"I know a special bidding committee in World Rugby hasn’t formed yet, so I know that Russia hasn’t made any important steps towards the World Cup."