New stars played major roles in Russia (5)

I believe the answer is:

tsars

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'played major roles in russia' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'new stars' is the wordplay.
'new' indicates an anagram.
'stars' anagrammed gives 'TSARS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tsars that I've seen before include "Old Russian rulers" , "Old monarchs" , "Russian emperors" , "Old Russia's rulers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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