 
CRF Texas Scramble Golf
Tournament
On the 11th
September at Secret Valley Golf Club the CRF hosted its Texas
Scramble Golf Tournament. Over 94 Golfers came out, played their
hearts out and persevered in blazing sun and all in support of
Cyprus Rugby.
The prize
giving ceremony was honored by His Excellency the Ambassador of
Ireland, who is an avid rugby supporter and friend of Cyprus
Rugby.
Special
mention must be made of Glenfiddich who provided the Golfers
with a bag of goodies, Cyprus Airports Duty Free who
administrated the event, Phil Andreou who provided all the
printing, Thomson Communication who provided all the art work,
KEO for all the sponsored drinks and Ocean Basket Restaurant who
sponsored the lunch.
The CRF would
like to extend its gratitude to all the hole sponsors for
supporting this outstanding event, Secret Valley for their
outstanding service and assistance, everyone who worked behind
the scenes who made this event one to remember, LTV for their
continuous support and coverage of Rugby events in Cyprus, and
of course to all our friends of Rugby who came out and played in
aid of the Cyprus Rugby Federation.
Last but by
no means least the, CRF would like to thank Mr. Gerry Crawford
and Mr. Martin Mullen from Cyprus Airports Duty Free for they
have done for Cyprus Rugby.
Hole Sponsors:
(Click to see our Hole
Sponsors)
1. Cyprus
Airport Duty Free & Glenfiddich
2. Hermes
Airports Ltd
3. Hyundai
4. VRS
Hypoallergenic Ltd
5. Shaka
Zulu Bar & Restaurant
6. Swissport
Cyprus
7. Resisystems
8. Keg
and Barrel Bar
9. Group
4 Securicor
10.
Cyprus Airways
11.
Dobson Fleet Management Ltd
12.
Ad Board Media Group
13.
Aer Rianta International Middle East
14.
Hellenic Bank
15.
Orbit Moving & Storage Ltd
16.
Cyprus Airports Food & Beverage
17.
Aqualine & Shadesports
18.
Ocean Basket
Event
Sponsors:
1.
KEO - Drinks Sponsor
2.
Thomson Communications - Artwork Sponsor
3.
Phil Andreou Printing - Printing Sponsor
4.
Ambre Solaire
5.
LTV - Media Sponsors
6.
Ocean Basket Restaurant - Lunch Sponsor
Click for
Golf Day Picture Gallery.
CRF Texas Scramble Golf
Tournament
The CRF
is proud to launch the first annual Texas Scramble Golf Tournament
on the 11th September 2008 at Secret Valley. The aim of this
tournament is to raise funds for the CRF but also to bring CRF
supporters together socially. Please click the links below for
details and entry forms.
Cyprus President Mr.
Demetris Christofias Congratulates CRF Players

The Cyprus Rugby Federation International Players and Head Coach
briefly met Mr. Demetris Christofias, President of the Republic of
Cyprus on board the Cyprus Airways Flight to London.
Mr. Christofias was briefly informed about Rugby on the Island and
the CRF future aspirations to grow the sport on the island.
President Christofias congratulated the CRF and wished the CRF
International Players and the Federation all the best for the
future.
A proud moment for Rugby in Cyprus.
Sponsorship
opportunities and Friends of Cyprus Rugby scheme
The Cyprus Rugby Federation have successfully hosted the European
Rugby League Division 3D here in Cyprus, with participating
countries being Azerbaijan, Monaco, Slovakia and Cyprus. We won the
tournament, and in September, we will be involved in a play off,
possibly against Finland, for promotion to Division 3C. Should we
win this match, and we intend to, then we will have to play another
5 international matches, both home and away, before April 2009 .
All our matches to date have been well attended and we have had
excellent exposure in the media both here and abroad.
In June we are taking part in the World 7's qualifying rounds in
Georgia and in Greece.
We have done all this with very little if any funding from the
Cyprus Sports Organization.
The Cyprus Rugby Federation is a winner, as The Cyprus Rugby
Federation (CRF) is the only undefeated international team in the
world, where we have played 4 test matches and won them all
convincingly.
If you want to know more about sponsorship opportunities please
contact our Secretary Johny Stavrinou on 99-811412
Friends of Rugby
The Friends of Rugby is in essence, a donation scheme, whereby we
can approach almost anyone, or any company and ask for a sum of Euro
1000. (more if they wish). This money will be used to help the CRF
with its Development Plans to promote the sport of Rugby in Cyprus.
The theory behind this scheme, is that a company would more easily
part with this relatively minimal sum, than pay the larger amounts
we are looking for from a major sponsor.
So what do they get for their Euro 1000?
1. 4 free tickets to all our home international matches until the
end of 2008
2. Free link to their company on our web site.
3. Free mention in our sponsors page for printed programme made for
our home internationals in 2008
4. Their name on any banner we make mentioning all our sponsors at
our international matches
5. 50 % reduction in rates on advertising in our programme valid
only for full page adverts
6. Invitation to all our press conferences and promotional
activities
7. A picture of the presentation of the CRF Friends of Rugby
Certificate to the individual sponsor will appear on our website.
8. We will invite all our Friends of Rugby to have their picture
taken together and have this published in the newspapers
9. 4 free tickets to our CRF gala dinner to be held before the end
of 2008
If you wish to contribute to the Development of Rugby here in Cyprus
through the Friends of Rugby scheme, please contact our Secretary
Johny Stavrinou on 99-811412
World Cup 7's-
European Qualifying Rounds- Georgia and Corfu
Nial Doherty, the Cyprus National Coach, has just announced the
squad of players who will represent Cyprus in their first ever
International tournament at this level.
The tournament takes place in Georgia between the 7th -8th June, and
pits our boys against the mighty and experienced Welsh and Georgian
teams, both of whom are professional. Other teams in our section are
Moldova, Ukraine, Israel, Bulgaria, Latvia, Greece and Azerbaijan.
"I believe the Sevens game is a crucial part of the development of
the game of rugby especially here in Cyprus itself," Nial said when
being interviewed by Planet Rugby.
(you can read the full article on
http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3591642,00.html
"Regarding the tournament, we are very pleased to be playing against
top international teams as it will give us an idea as to where
exactly we fit in terms of skills and technical ability against the
different standards in European rugby.
"To compete on a regular basis on the IRB Sevens circuit is of our
main objectives for Cyprus Rugby," he added.
Cyprus Sevens Squad:
Andrew Binikos (c), Philippos Kyriacou, George Agathocleous, Tony
Crassas, Adam Kyriacou, Dan Thrasivoulou, Luke Peters, Panayiotis
Ioulianou, Chris Thoma, Andreas Zacharia.
Niall has called upon Mark Walpyof, an extremely experienced 7's
coach who has coached at the very highest level. e.g The Welsh
International 7 side, and is at present the backs coach of the
powerful club London Welsh XV.
''We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Marks's experience
assisting us in our preparation'' Niall said.
"And I believe we will surprise one or two people."
Cyprus will also take part in the second European Qualifying round
to be held in Corfu between the 20th - 21st June
Click Here for pictures
of the Corfu 7's
CRF Hosts IRB Level 2
Coaching Course and Level 1 Referees Course.
May marked the conclusion of the International Rugby Board’s
advanced training scheme for officials and coaches. The course was
held at Episkopi, under the aegis of the Cyprus Rugby Federation,
and well attended by existing and aspirant referees and trainers
anxious to benefit from the latest coaching techniques, and to be
brought up to date on changes to the laws of the game; the
Federation was extremely pleased to welcome two participants from
Greece, which made it a truly regional event.
The course was conducted by Simon Jones, one of Britain’s top
trainers and an iconic figure in English West Country rugby. Mr.
Jones was a member of the all conquering Bath side that dominated
British and European rugby in the 80’s, making over 150 appearances
in the back row for the club. He started his career in Plymouth and
after making regular appearances for Devon county moved on to Bath
and Somerset, picking up many representative honours; trialing for
England; playing for the Barbarians, and achieving the distinct
accolade of playing against the All Blacks when they challenged
South Western Counties.
Passing easily into the era of professional rugby he played in a
number of countries but still found time to complete his Master’s
degree in education, and settling into the teaching profession in
Southern England. Now, one of the International Rugby Board’s top
coaches, he travels the world advising and educating on the latest
developments in the game. When asked to comment on the level and
standard of Cypriot and Greek coaches and officials, he said’ I am
most impressed with the degree of enthusiasm displayed throughout
the course and encouraged by the progress we have made; it has been
a real pleasure’. This was his first visit to our country but
judging by his response, it won’t be his last.
Click Here for Coaching
Course Picture Gallery
Loukis Pattihis, Vice-President of the Cyprus Federation, said’ If
the International Rugby Board are going to send us trainers of the
quality of Simon Jones, then I am convinced we will improve rapidly,
and though we are a small country, we will make our mark on European
rugby’.
The IRB Level 1 Referees Course educated 22 players, coaches and
Referee hopefuls in Episkopi. The course was run by Mr. Colin Brett,
The Referee Development Manager in Edinburgh of the Scottish Rugby
Union.
Click Here for Referees
Course Picture Gallery
CRF achieves Full
Membership to FIRA AER
At the Annual General Meeting of FIRA AER which was held in Paris
from 28.11.07 until 1.12.07, it was unanimously agreed that the
Cyprus Rugby Federation would be accepted as a Full Member.
This is a remarkable achievement for the CRF, considering we applied
to become members in December 2006, and we were granted the status
of Affiliated Associate Member of FIRA AER.
Since then, The CRF have hosted an Under 17 Development camp in
August 2007 with participation from Greece, and in October 2007 we
hosted the 3D European Rugby Tournament League with participating
countries from Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Monaco, and Slovakia.
The President of FIRA AER, Mr. Jean Claude Baque, congratulated
Cyprus on their achievements so far, and praised the CRF for hosting
such an important International Tournament so soon after
affiliation, and also for winning.
Praise should go to Costas Mastoroudes, President of the CRF, and
all his committee members who have worked so hard over the past 2
years. He went on to say “We have made Cyprus proud and we have
achieved very much with our positive participation and results on
the field.
The World has taken notice of our achievement in such a short
period.
We belong and serve the World of Rugby we are servants of the game
and most importantly the players on the field.
Please do not allow our standards to drop.. you are the people that
deserve the praise that worked so hard with passion for the game.
I Thank you.
Let us go forward..''
Under 18 European
Championship
The CRF under 18's will be participating in the European
Championships which will take place in Treviso, in Italy from 14th
to 23rd of March 2008.
Our youths, who participated in our Under 17 Development camp in
August, will now have the chance to compete against the likes of
Croatia, Luxembourg and Norway in Group D.
Technical Director Niall Doherty, has appointed Gary Thomson as
Manager, who will be busy arranging for sponsorship to cover the
heavy expenses, and all travel arrangements.
Niall will also be assisted by his trusted right hand Paul Shanks on
the coaching side.
Further details will be posted later.
Sevens World
Qualifying Tournaments.
The schedule for the World Mens Sevens Tournament to be held in
Hanover Germany between the 12th and 13th July 2008 was made public
during the Annual General Meeting of FIRA AER in Paris on 30.11.07.
The European section of the tournament involves seven qualifying
tournament around Europe, and each team has to take part in 2 such
tournaments. Eleven countries with the most points will join hosts
Germany in the finals. The top 5 teams from the finals in Germany
will then go forward to the World Sevens tournament held in Dubai.
Cyprus has been seeded at number 33, and will compete in 2
qualifying tournaments.
The first takes place in Tbilisi in Georgia between the 7th and 8th
June 2008. We will be playing against Moldova, Wales, Georgia,
Ukraine, Latvia, Israel, Bulgaria, Greece, and Azerbaijan.
The second qualifying tournament takes place 2 weeks later in Porto
Carras in Greece from the 21st until the 22nd June 2008. Cyprus will
test themselves against Spain, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Bulgaria,
Greece, Luxembourg, and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Technical Director Niall Doherty is busy formulating his team of
managers and trainers, and the logistics involved in such a
geographically challenging tournament is immense. The financial
burden on the CRF is horrendous, and we actively request the support
of all rugby lovers to our cause, because the whispers around the
corridors of European Rugby is that ''Cyprus might be a wild card
team''.
http://worldcuprugby.blog.co.uk/2007/11/21/2008_mens_sevens_schedule~3332016
FIRA AER Group 3C
Play Off
Following the magnificent performances by our national team in
winning the 3D tournament so convincingly, the dates for the 3C Play
Off has now been set for the 14th June 2008. Though the date has
been settled, our opponents and venue are still unknown to us, but
it appears to be between either Finland or Israel. The match between
these two teams takes place in the new year and is a real relegation
decider. Coach Niall Doherty hopes to be present at the match to
appraise the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
One thing is sure however, that the first 3 weeks of June will be a
most trying time for our International Teams. With the Sevens team
flying to Georgia on the 7th, the 3C play offs either in Israel,
Finland or even Cyprus on the 14th, and finally the second Sevens
tournament in Greece on the 21st, this will be a testing period for
all concerned with rugby on the island.
Special tribute must be given to the future Mrs. Tony Thoma, the
fiancé of our vice captain. Like all young ladies, she was looking
forward to her wedding to Tony on the 14th June 2008. However this
date now clashes with the 3C Play Off, so our young lovers have
decided to ''convert their try'' at a later date. Now there is
commitment for you.
3D Tournament
28/10/2007 – 03/11/2007
Match Report
Cyprus v Slovakia
03/11/2007
Final Score: Cyprus 38 – Slovakia 8
CYPRUS DECLARED TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
UNDER A virtually cloudless sunny sky with just enough breeze to
flutter the national flags, Cyprus won the FIRA AER European Rugby
League Division 3D Rugby League Tournament providing a sound 38-8
winning display against Slovakia in front of an enthusiastic
near-1000 crowd at the Kiniras Sport Centre, Geriskipou on Saturday
(November 3).
As expected, with both sides
unbeaten, the game started at a fast and furious pace and it seemed
that it wouldn’t be long before points appeared on the board.
Slovakia had the first opportunity but missed what seemed like an
easy penalty kick for handling on the ground.
The first break came on 13 minutes
when centre-back, George Agathocleous (Paphos Tigers), broke on the
right and scored a try under the posts, which Tony Crassas(Paphos
Tigers) converted to give Cyprus a 7-0 lead.
This led to a period of Cyprus
domination with some flowing passing movements and attacks on the
Slovakian line. To their credit Slovakia defended well having quite
a heavy pack and back division.
Cyprus gained a scrummage at 10 metres out and a movement started by
Andy Binikos(Currie, Edinburgh), without a doubt one of the best
players on the park, ended with centre-back, Panayiotis Ioulianou
(Epsom & Cheam), dropping over for another try. Crassas then showed
his ability at kicking by taking a very angled conversion kick
‘Wilko-style’ to make the score 14-0 to Cyprus.
It was not all one-sided as Slovakia
used their weight advantage to good effect and had several attempts
thwarted on the line. They were extremely good in lineouts and won a
number of scrums encounters against the head.
With just enough time left for him to
return before half-time, Chris Thoma (Paphos Tigers), was sin-binned
for a physical argument with a Slovakian player and Cyprus were
reduced to 14-men.
The last try of the half in the 32nd
minute had that element of luck and good enthusiastic running about
it. Binikos kicked well ahead from inside the Cyprus half and haring
after the ball managed a second kick which conveniently landed over
the Slovakia line in the corner and Binikos dropped on it to score
his second try of the half. This time Crassas failed in his effort
to convert to leave the score at 19-0 to Cyprus at half-time.
Half-Time: Cyprus 19pts, Slovakia 0
Just three minutes into the second-half, Cyprus were penalised for
‘holding-down’ in a tackle and Slovakian winger, Cmiel Martin, had a
an easy task to fire over between the posts for three points (19-3).
This brought about a period of
pressure from Slovakia and they scored a hard-worked try in the
corner after some good running by fly-half, Nosko Roman, after six
minutes, which wasn’t converted.
But now Slovakia were only 19-8 down
and looking dangerous.
However, Cyprus crowd favourite
‘Deano’ (Warren Dean of Paphos Tigers) passed neatly to George
Agathocleous (Paphos Tigers), who made one of his dazzling runs
before passing to Binikos to score a try in the corner after 49
minutes, which wasn’t converted.
Leading 24-8, Cyprus began to
emphasise their passing skills and Crassas proved that he wasn’t
just a good kicker by going over for a try between the posts two
minutes later and finishing the movement off by converting to make
the score, 31-8.
The extreme heat and physical
endeavours by both sides saw many changes with players coming and
going at regular intervals without seemingly disrupting the play.
The best of the tries came in the
67th minute when, after a flowing three-quarter movement involving
Tony Thoma (Paphos Tigers) and Binikos, Agathocleous, had a
brilliant take and cut through the Slovakian defence to score a
great try under the posts. Crassas converted to bring the scoreline
up to 38-8.
When crowd favourite ‘Deana’ came off
to the usual chant of ‘Deano’ – ‘Deano’ he had given his all and was
a vital cog in the victory as was back-row forward, Calm O’Cleirigh
(Bective Rangers).
The remainder of the match saw a lot of effort from both sides but
they were obviously tiring and tempers flared slightly in one
‘hand-bagging’ incident in a game that had been played in a very
sporting manner.
One of the many Cyprus stars, Tony
Crassos, sustained a wrist injury in the dying minutes of the match
that, in the main, had not kept the physios too busy.
The Cyprus team having beaten
Azerbaijan 29-0 at the Pafiakos Stadium and Monaco (19-10) in the
Makarios Stadium at Nicosia, claimed the tournament after this
thrilling victory over Slovakia and now get the chance to play
either Finland or Israel for a step up a division in the world
leagues.
It was a great team performance and does all credit to head coach,
Niall Doherty, and his team. The man-of-the-series award went to
Andrew Binikos, the man-of-the –match award to George Agathocleous.
In the other game, which was for third and fourth places, the strong
Monaco team proved too much for Azerbaijan beating them 41-3.
View Pictures from this match
3D Tournament
28/10/2007 – 03/11/2007
Match Report
31/11/2007
Cyprus select v Monaco
Final Score: Cyprus 19 - Monaco 10
The second match in the European Rugby League Division 3D kicked off
at 8.00 pm at the Makarios Stadium in Nicosia in front of a
passionate crowd of rugby fans.
This was the first international
rugby match Cyprus has played in our capital city at the Makarios
stadium and the first Cypriot international rugby match played under
lights.
The teams were introduced to His
Excellence, Nicholas Galey, The Ambassador of France, and
accompanying him was Mr. Damianos Hadjidamianou representing the
Cyprus Olympic committee. There was a distinct lack of
representation from the Cyprus Sports organization, yet again.
Coach Niall Doherty, was forced to make up to 8 changes and to use
his squad players due to the many little injuries picked up in our
first match against Azerbaijan, only 3 days previously. The most
serious injury of all was the tragic loss of our captain and
talisman, Jonathan Pettemerides, who tragically tore his cruciate
ligament in his knee, and will be sidelined for at least a year. We
hope Jonathan takes heart from the support he has received from
everyone associated with the C.R.F., and we wish him a full and
speedy recovery.
The team was now led by our Vice
Captain, Tony Thoma, whose determined face was mirrored by the whole
of the team.
Both teams showed nerves in the first
10 minutes but after exerting some good pressure, we drew fist
blood. Fifteen minutes into the game and after good pressing by the
pack, the ball came back to the three quarters, and centre George
Agathocleous sped over the line for a fine try. The conversion from
Tony Thoma was good, and to the raptors joy of the crowd, we found
ourselves 7 – 0 up.
Monaco, were not about to become
innocent bystanders in this game, and their speedy backs began to
cause us some problems, all of which we coped with admirably. We
only managed to hold on to our lead for 10 minutes before the Monaco
pack drove to our line and scored a try through Davide Pozzati. The
scorer converted his own try, so we were equalite once again at 7 –
7.
On the half hour mark whilst defending near their own 22, an
infringement in the scrum by one of the Monaco players gave Cyprus a
chance to take the lead. Tony Thoma again stepped up to take the
penalty and made no mistake. So we were back in the lead again
though a very slender one at 10-7.
The game was fast and competitive and
no quarter was given by either side. It was Monaco who finished the
scoring in the first half with a great drop goal by their no
10.Davide Pozzati, and we were again back to square one with the
score at 10-10.
The second half saw both teams play
some excellent rugby with the Monaco team having the upper hand in
the backline managing to gain valuable ground on a regular basis,
but the Cyprus defence and tackling was fierce and managed to close
down any threat that this presented.
This good defensive play kept the
scoring down in the second half. The ball was with the backs most of
the second half so we saw lots of kicking for position and open
play. There were many breaks through the centre but the Cyprus
defence and tackling was fierce and managed to close down any threat
that this presented.
As the game wore on it appeared that
we were physically stronger and that Monaco showed signs of
tiredness. The game turned on a series of mistakes in the Monaco
back line that allowed Cyprus to convert 2 penalty kicks through
Tony Thoma to increase our lead to 16-10.
Monaco tried to counter and with less
than 5 minutes to play with a series of half breaks which brought
increased pressure on our 5 metre line. At times it looked that
their forwards would break through our defence and win the match,
but we stood firm. A penalty in our favour gave the opportunity to
our fly half Andrew Binikos to use his boot to clear our lines, and
he brought play up to the Monaco 22 yard line. From the resultant
scramble, Monaco were again penalized, and up stepped the quite
magnificent Tony Thoma, who coolly put the ball squarely between the
posts to put us out of reach of the opposition.
The referee immediately blew for the
end of the game and we deservedly won a very hard fought match.
Final score Cyprus select19 Monaco
select10
We now look forward to the vitally
important top of the table clash with Slovakia, and our weary
warriors have only 2 days to rest their sore limbs.
We wish them well.
Statistics:
Half time Score: 10 – 10
Full time score: 19 – 10
Tries: 2
Conversions 2
Penalties 3
Sad to see no Cypriot govt officials
View Pictures from this match
3D Tournament
28/10/2007 – 03/11/2007
Match Report
Cyprus v Azerbaijan
28/11/2007
Final Score: Cyprus 29 - Azerbaijan 0
The first match of the 3D tournament kicked off at 2.00 pm at the
Paphiakos Stadium in Paphos in front of a passionate crowd of over a
thousand rugby fans.
For everyone involved with this
tournament, from the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF), to the many
rugby loving volunteers, right through to our couch Niall Doherty,
his coaching staff, and to the players themselves, the day of
reckoning had arrived. All the months of hard work from behind the
scenes, was now to be put to the test on the rugby field.
It was the Azerbaijanis who started
more positively, and it was obvious that the Cypriot lads were a
little nervous. After a period of sustained pressure by the powerful
visiting forwards, our prop, in an effort to stop the marauding
Azerbaijani forwards from progressing deeper into our 22 metre line,
was caught offside on 2 occasions. Fortunately for us the diminutive
and talented Azerbaijani number 10 could not take advantage of the
resulting penalty kicks to give his team the lead that, at that
time, they so richly deserved.
Spurred on by a highly vocal local
crowd, the Cypriot team rallied, and managed to take more control of
the game. Realizing that the visiting forwards, were strong and
organized, the Cyprus captain, Johnathan Pettemerides started
bringing his fast and talented back line more into the game. After
about 12 minutes, a fluid handling move that cut right through the
centre of the Azrbaijani defence saw our Full back Tony Crassas
involved in a dummy inside break to score our first try of the
match. His successful conversion added another 2 points to the
Cypriot tally. A seven point lead to our team so early in the match
was just what our coaches were hoping for.
Within a few minutes a further 3 points was added to the score by
Tony Crassas when he converted a penalty after an infringement by
the Azerbaijani team in front of their posts.
Despite the superior strength and technique of the Azerbaijani
forwards, the Cyprus back line managed to break through the defence
again resulting in a second try being scored by Andrew Binikos which
was converted by Tony Crassas, giving Cyprus a 17 point lead.
At this point we were completely
dominating the game. Our forwards were matching their more powerful
opponents in every department. Our back line ably controlled by our
stand off half Andrew Binikos, was instrumental in generating
opportunities for the back line via some imaginative and astute
passing to his centres, together with some expert place kicking into
the open spaces left by the Azerbaijani defence.
The team grew in confidence and
continued to play some very fast open rugby which apart from
exciting their coach, enthralled their supporters. Every break was
accompanied by massive shouts of encouragement, and each point
scored was vigorously applauded and appreciated.
We were creating many opportunities and deservedly went further into
the lead some minutes later with a try by our elusive centre Colm O’
Cleirigh after some impressive team work and passing. His theatrical
dive over the line was equally as impressive. Tony Crassas converted
to give us a 24 point lead.
There was very little resistance at
this point, and we were completely dominant. Just before half time
we scored the best try of the afternoon. A fast flowing handling
movement with slick interpassing between 4 of our players,
eventually let our back row forward from Richmond RFC, Phillipos
Kyriakou to break through the Azerbaijani defence once more, to
score a most impressive try, bringing the half time score to 29 – 0
in favour of Cyprus.
Unfortunately, the second half did
not live up to the heights of the first. The game became a contest
that was played mainly in the centre of the park. There were no
decisive breaks that gave either side a territorial advantage. The
Cyprus team then started a series of forced substitutions due to
injury with the most serious occurring to our courageous captain,
who was regretfully stretchered off with a knee injury 15 minutes
from time, and is now out for the rest of the tournament. This
seemed to have a detrimental effect to the overall cohesion of the
side, and we were just not firing on all cylinders. We were also
guilty of persistent fouling and had our lock forward Warren Deane
sin binned midway through the half. It is to our team’s credit, that
even with a man down we did not allow the opposition to take
advantage.
Despite there being no further scores
in the second half, there was some impressive rugby shown by both
teams, with superb defence and tackling preventing any breakaway
tries.
Both teams played some excellent
rugby with the Azerbaijan team having the upper hand in the scrums
and loose mauls managing to gain valuable ground on a regular basis,
but the Cyprus defence and tackling was fierce and managed to close
down any threat that this presented. It was the superior passing and
running skills of the back line together with the unfailing defence
by the forwards that gave Cyprus this valuable victory.
Our coach Niall Doherty, and all his
coaching and backroom staff, must be applauded for the tremendous
work they have done on the team. Their spirit, and their
determination was there for all to see. These boys are proud to
represent their country, and the mere fact that they sang the
national anthem with such vigour that they even managed to drown out
the official singer to prove their point.
The team will now have to regroup
themselves and play on without their influential captain. With the
spirit around the squad, I am sure they will overcome this loss.
This was Cyprus’ second international match and we go forward with a
100% record; long may it continue.
Statistics:
Half time Score: 29 – 0
Full time score: 29 – 0
Tries: 4
Conversions 3
Penalties 1
Yellow cards 1
View Pictures from this match
Carrefour Cyprus
supporting CRF.

On Saturday 20th October 2007,
members of the Cyprus Rugby Federation Committee held a joint
fundraising / promotion for the 4 team international tournament that
starts in one weeks time.
Raffle tickets were sold with the winner allowed a 2 minute trolley
Dash through the store, where they could fill up their trolley with
what ever items they wanted except for spirits and cigarettes.
The CRF would like to thank Mr. Alain Boccard, Marketing and
Communications Director of Carrefour Cyprus, for donating this 2
minute dash. Similar promotions are planned for the Paphos and
Limassol stores.
The 4 team International Tournament starts on Sunday 28th October
and ends on Saturday 3rd November. All proceeds will go towards the
high cost of organizing the tournament. The winner will be drawn on
Saturday 3rd November after the last match.
Picture shows Duncan Kirby, Treasurer CRF, Loukis Pattihis, Vice
President CRF, Lawrence Vassiliades, Secretary Nicosia Barbarians,
outside Carrefour in the Mall of Nicosia. and Rea Kirby, who sold
more tickets than her father.
CRF gets ready for
Nicosia’s New Rugby Club - Nicosia Harlequins RFC
The CRF are happy to announce that a new club has been formed in
Nicosia, called the Nicosia Harlequins.
Mr. Christo Andreou, their President,
sent an email to the CRF to announce that they now have their
registration as a club from the Nicosia Local Council. They now
request to become full members of the CRF.
The CRF President, Mr. Costas
Mastoroudes, sent a congratulatory email to the Harlequins, and
pointed out that, in accordance with our constitution, before the
Harlequins could be officially accepted into the CRF, they first had
to be approved by the highest sporting authority in Cyprus, The
Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA). Once all the necessary documents
are in place with KOA, the application thereafter to join the CRF is
a mere formality of filling some forms.
''Take heart Harlequins, the hard part is over'' said Mr.
Mastoroudes.
CRF Issues
International Tournament Press Release
This is our World Cup
Mr. Costas Mastoroudes, President of the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF),
said
’’Now that the Rugby World Cup had finished in France with victory
going to South Africa, the Cyprus national Rugby team is taking part
in its own World Cup.''
Mr. Mastoroudes was speaking at a press conference held by CRF to
announce the games to be played for the European Rugby Federation (FIRA
AER) league 3D to be played here in Cyprus at the end of October.
The teams taking part are Azerbaijan, Monaco, Slovakia and Cyprus.
The complete list of fixtures is:
28.10.07 Sunday - Paphiako Stadium, Paphos Cyprus v
Azerbaijan 14.00
31.10.07 Wednesday - Makarios Stadium Nicosia Azerbaijan v Slovakia
18.00
31.10.07 Wednesday - Makarios Stadium Nicosia Cyprus XV v Monaco
20.00
3.11.07 Saturday - Kiniras Geroskipou, Paphos Azerbaijan v Monaco
11.00
3.11.07 Saturday - Kiniras Geroskipou, Paphos Cyprus v Slovakia
14.00
Mr. Mastoroudes went on to say that FIRA AER asked all 4 teams to
play this tournament in the space of one week. The winner would then
take part in a play off against the bottom team of division 3C, with
the eventual victor playing in the stronger division as from2008.
''This is a wonderful challenge for us'' said Mr. Mastoroudes. ''
not only has FIRA AER shown their confidence in us to organize such
a prestigious competition so soon after joining the European Family
of Rugby in December 2006, but it also allows us to show rugby games
at an International level to the people of Cyprus. This will most
definitely help our development''
Mr. Mastoroudes gave a brief history of the development of rugby in
Cyprus over the years. Traditionally it was the exclusive domain of
the English military within the sovereign base areas of Dhekelia,
Episkopi and Akrotiri who would play amongst themselves in their own
league.
It was in 2003 /4 that 3 local Cypriot teams based in Paphos,
Limassol and Nicosia were formed, spurned on by the enthusiasm and
energy of Cypriot ex patriots from South Africa, The UK and other
major playing countries. These men were fanatical about the game and
were determined to form their own league here in Cyprus. The Cyprus
Rugby federation was formed and eventually recognized by the Cyprus
Sports Organization (KOA) in May 2006. From then on things started
to happen very quickly and Cyprus was accepted as the 43rd member of
FIRA AER in December 2006.
''To celebrate this momentous occasion'' Mr. Mastoroudes went on to
say, '' Cyprus invited the very powerful Greek National Rugby XV to
play its inaugural match in Paphos In March 2007, and we deservedly
won by 39-3''
The coach of the National Side Mr. Niall Doherty, a straight talking
Irishman from Leinster, then announced the squad of players chosen
to play in the tournament. The group of 30 players includes 10 new
players who will travel from other countries to play.
'' Most of the boys coming from abroad '' said Mr. Doherty, ''have
found their own sponsors or paid for their own tickets and expenses
to come to Cyprus to represent their country. I applaud their
determination and their desire, and this is exactly the attitude of
the whole of the squad''
Mr. Doherty, who masterminded the historic defeat of the Greeks back
in March of this year, went on to say
''Countries within the bottom divisions of the European League, do
not at present, stand a chance of going to the World cup finals. It
takes decades of organization, development of the game from the
grass roots right through the various levels, to achieve a standard
that is good enough. If you look at the relative minnows of the
group stages of the world cup, teams like Portugal, Namibia, Canada,
The USA, they have been around for many many years. Even though they
were beaten by the stronger, more established teams of the world,
you could see that they were gaining in strength and experience and
were become more professional in their coaching and training.''
Mr. Doherty went on to say '' To be asked to play 3 tough
international games in 7 days is hard going for even the strongest
nations. With the squad of players I have at my disposal, and with
the determination of the players, I am very confident we will win.
For a small country like Cyprus, this tournament is our world cup.''
Mr. Mastoroudes, finished by saying ‘‘The Rugby World Cup finals
have the third largest television audiences in the world, behind
only the Soccer world cup and the Olympic Games. The Cyprus Rugby
Federation would like to ask for the support of everyone on the
island, to come to the games and support their national team. At the
previous international against Greece over 3000 spectators watched
an enthralling and exciting game, and we are confident that this
tournament will provide games of a high level of skill and
excitement.''
Tickets for all matches can be bought at the grounds at £4 per
adult. Children under 12 will be allowed free entry as long as they
are accompanied by an adult.
Schools are also encouraged to organize themselves and entry will be
free of charge as long as they are accompanied by a teacher.
For further information on the games and tickets please call
Lawrence Vassiliades for Nicosia game 99478348 and from the Keg and
Barrel in Paphos tel. 99 408 367
CRF Announces
International Squad
The Cyprus Rugby Federation proudly
announces the squad for the forthcoming games against Azerbaijan and
Slovakia.
|
1.
Fredrick Pissis*
SCA
Sporting club Albigois |
|
2.
Christo Kasabi *
Saracens
|
|
3.
Tony
Thoma Paphos
Tigers |
|
4.
Christo Frixou *
Worcester Lions |
|
5.
Warren Deane Paphos
Tigers |
|
6.
Philippos Kyriacou
*
Richmond |
|
7.
Chris Thoma Paphos
Tigers |
|
8.
Jonathan Pettemerides
London Scottish |
|
9.
Michaelis Maratheftis Burton
RFC |
|
10.
Demetri Maratheftis
Paphos Tigers |
|
11.
Andrew Binikos
Currie RFC |
|
12.
Constantine Markou*
Solihuill RFC |
|
13.
George Agathocteous Paphos
Tigers |
|
14.
Dan Thrasivolou *
Leesbrook RFC
|
|
15.
Chris Christofi
Limassol Crusaders |
|
16.
Adam Kyriacou*
Ormskirk RFC |
|
17.
Devron Deverish
Ayia Nic Stags |
|
18.
Dinu Floredan
Paphos Tigers |
|
19.
Costas Christou
Limassol Crusaders |
|
20.
Panayiotis Jacovides
* Paul
Lezanne Aix Marseille |
|
21.
Vladlimiri Mihaylon
Paphos Tigers
|
|
22.
Dan McFarlane
* Limassol
Crusaders |
|
23.
Panayiotis Loizidis
Iraklis
Salonica
|
|
24.
Panayiotis
Ioulianou *
Lincoln University |
|
25.
Anthony Crassas
* Paphos Tigers |
|
26.
Colm O’Clerigh
* Bective Rangers |
|
* Denotes Possible New
Caps |
Cyprus Hosts International Rugby
Tournament
The Cyprus Rugby Federation, with the full
authority of the European Rugby Federation, ( F.I.R.A. A.E.R. ) will
be organizing a four team International Rugby Tournament. The
tournament is to decide the winner of European Rugby League 3D, and
the winner will play, possibly at home, a one off play off game
against the bottom team in Division 3C above us.
The four international teams
taking part are; Cyprus , Azerbaijan , Monaco and Slovakia. Fixtures
are as follows:
|
Venue |
28/10/2007 |
31/10/2007 |
03/11/2007 |
|
Nicosia:
Makarios
Stadium |
|
Slovakia v
Azerbaijan, 6pm
Cyprus (In) v
Monaco, 8pm |
|
|
Pafos:
Pafiakos
Stadium / Kiniras Sports Grounds. |
Cyprus v
Azerbaijan, 2pm
(Pafiakos
Stadium) |
|
Monaco v
Azerbaijan,11am
Cyprus v
Slovakia, 2pm
(Both matches @
Kiniras) |
The four international teams taking
part are; Cyprus , Azerbaijan , Monaco and Slovakia
It is our intention to play these matches in the two major rugby
towns of Cyprus, Nicosia and Pafos, in an attempt to promote and
develop the game throughout the island. It is very unfortunate that
we could not find a stadium in Limassol that was available to host
rugby international.
There will be over 100 players and their officials coming to Cyprus
to play in this tournament, along with their media correspondents.
As this is an official tournament sanctioned by the European
Federation of Rugby (FIRA AER), all the results and match reports
will be posted on FIRA's website, which will then be available to
all 98 countries belonging to the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The Cyprus Sports Organization is
aware of this tournament, and is supporting us in every way they
can, by providing us the Makarios Stadium in Nicosia and Paphiakos
Stadium in Pafos free of charge, and also providing the end of
tournament dinner.
The Cyprus Tourist Organization is
also providing us with a small funding.
As you can imagine the cost of
organizing such a tournament is very high. Even though the cost is
high, the Cyprus Rugby Federation believes the benefits from staging
such a tournament are far greater. Our national coaches and all the
players are confident of winning this tournament, thus giving a
positive impetus to the promotion of rugby in Cyprus . The
international exposure of a successfully run tournament in Cyprus
throughout the rugby playing world, can influence other countries to
make Cyprus their training camp, thus increasing sporting tourism,
which of course has a positive knock on effect to our economy.
The Cyprus Rugby Federation is
passionate about the game of rugby, and we have a desire to promote
the game throughout Cyprus .
We have recently in August, completed
a FIRA AER approved Under 17 camp with 30 boys from Greece came for
5 days to Cyprus to train and play with 30 of our most promising
youngsters. This was part of our preparation for the Under 17 World
Cup to be held next year. During the month of August, we also had
coaching and referees courses, with instructors coming from Italy
and Ireland.
At our previous international held in Paphos in March, we had 3000
spectators come to see our national side, which also included a
talented Turkish Cypriot. We are expecting over 10,000 spectators at
the tournament, which for a new federation is truly a remarkable
achievement.
We believe, that with your support, our international tournament
will be a huge success, not only on the field, where we are very
confident of winning, but also, by bringing the good sport of rugby
to the attention of thousands of people, we can grow steadily and
surely into a major sport in Cyprus.
Cyprus in Qualification Tournament - IRB
7's World Cup 2009
The Cyprus Rugby Federation has just announced that it will take
part in the qualification tournament for the IRB 7's World Cup 2009.
The CRF will fall into the FIRA AER sponsored European Qualification
group, which will take place between the months of May and June
2008.
National Coach Niall Doherty, said, ''This is a very good move for
Cyprus Rugby. It is an imperative part of our development and
future.''
More details to follow.
3
September 2007
On the occasion of the start of the
International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby World Cup finals to be held in
Paris from the 7th September until 20th October 2007, Mr. Costas
Mastoroudes, President of the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF), and Mr.
Loukis Pattihis Vice President of the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF),
came to express their best wishes for a successful tournament, to
His Excellency Nicholas Galey, French Ambassador in Cyprus.
Mr. Mastoroudes, presented Mr. Galey with a jersey of the Cyprus
National Team, and expressed a desire to see a final that would
include the host nation France.
Whilst thanking the representatives of the CRF, HE Galey presented
them with an official mascot of the tournament, and informed them
that a detailed schedule of games is available on the website
www.rugbyworldcup.com, and that the semi finals and final would be
transmitted live to the public from the grounds of the French
Cultural Centre. For further information call 22 459 338.
Mr Mastoroudes also invited HE Galey to the three home Rugby
Internationals the CRF is hosting from 28th October in Paphos,
between Cyprus and Azerbaijan, the 31st October in Nicosia between a
Cyprus Select and Monaco, and on 3rd November in Paphos between
Cyprus and Slovakia. The matches, which are organized by the Paphos
based Professional Sports Tournament Events and Co-coordinators, Off
to a Tee, are for promotion from League 3D of the FIRA AER rugby
League, with the winner involved with a play off at home against the
bottom tam from Group 3C.

Picture From left to right: Mrs Camelia Galey, spouse of HE Nicolas
Galey, French Ambassador; Mr Costas Mastoroudes, President of the
Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF); HE Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador;
Mr. Loukis Pattihis Vice President of the Cyprus Rugby Federation (CRF)
29 August - 2 September 2007
The Cyprus Rugby Federation is
hosting an under-17 camp for players coming from Greece and Cyprus.
The camp will be run by FIRA-AER and the dates are from the 29th
AUGUST till the 2nd SEPTEMBER in Pafos.
CRF Appoints Technical Director
On June 4th 2007 Niall Doherty was appointed Technical Director of
the Cyprus Rugby Federation. The acclaimed coach who masterminded
the historic victory of the CRF in their inaugural
international match against the very powerful Greek XV, was
presented to the Executive Committee of the CRF at their monthly
meeting. Niall's credentials are formidable, and is the ideal choice
for Technical Director. Amongst his duties, he will be responsible
for the correct development of the sport from the grass roots level
through the various age groups, right up to the national squad. He
will also organize coaching seminars both here and abroad, for
coaches, referees and touch judges. Niall will be combining his
duties with his role as Head Coach of the national side. He will be
working very closely with the captain of the side, Jonathan
Pettemerides, who is based in the UK, and he will be conducting
frequent training sessions both here and in the UK to assess all
players eligible to play for Cyprus. Picture shows Niall Doherty.
CRF and KOA Meet
On the 4th June 2007, CRF President Costas Mastoroudes, accompanied
by Vice President Loukis Pattihis and Treasurer Duncan Kirby,
visited the Director General of the Cyprus Sports Organization,
(KOA) Mr. Costas Papacostas. The CRF delegation were there to give
the Federation's development plan and budget for 2008 for inclusion
into KOA's government sponsored Sport for All programme. This
ambitious programme, aims to develop new and established sports into
the school system, and encourage children from an early age to take
up a variety of sports.
Picture shows the CRF President with
the Director General of KOA, Mr. Costas Papacostas.

French Cultural Centre and The CRF Plan For The World Cup
The French Cultural Centre has announced a co-operation with The CRF
and the local rugby team, The Nicosia Barbarians, to show the semi
finals and final of the IRB World Cup to be held in Paris starting
from September 7th 2007. Madame Martine Bassereau-Dubois, the
Director of the French Cultural Centre, announced that the matches
will be transmitted live on big screens from the extensive grounds
of the Cultural centre based in the Ayios Andreas Suburb of Nicosia.
French wine and snacks will be served, and all rugby enthusiasts
will be welcome.
Picture shows, Ms. Dubois flanked by
Mr. Jean-Pierre Pouget, the educational attaché of the French
cultural Centre, and Loukis Pattihis representing the CRF and
Nicosia Barbarians

On May 14th 2007, the
executive committee of the CRF held a full day meeting with Mr.
Michel Arpaillange, the IRB Regional Development Manager for Europe.
Mr. Arpaillange, the most senior ranking executive of IRB ever to
visit the island, was here on official FIRA AER business, to assess
the current situation of rugby on the island. A detailed power point
presentation was given to Mr. Arpaillange by the members of the
committee, laying out the CRF plans for developing rugby on the
island over the next 2 years. Mr. Arpaillange was impressed with the
CRF commitment to rugby and for their enthusiasm, and made many
suggestions on how to improve and implement our development plan.
Mr. Arpaillange also met with many coaches and referees currently in
Cyprus.
The next day, Mr. Arpaillange was taken to visit the Director
General of the Cyprus Sports Organization , Mr. Costas Papacostas.
Mr. Arpaillange expressed the desire to see more Government support
to the sport of rugby, which may not as yet have a proper foothold
in Cyprus, but which has nevertheless the third largest television
audience in the world.
Finally, Mr. Arpaillange went to visit the acting Head of the French
Diplomatic delegation in Cyprus, Madame Martine Bassereau-Dubois,
the Director of the French Cultural Centre. Mr. Arpaillange thanked
the French initiative to show live transmission to the Cypriot
public of the semi finals and final of the up coming Rugby World Cup
finals.
Mr. Arpaillange also attended the Paphos fun day which included the
annual match between a Cyprus select team playing against the
Combined Services XV. He was impressed with level of support rugby
has in the Paphos area, and he was happy to see a training session
of the Paphos Colts.

Picture shows the CRF President presenting Mr. Arpaillange with our
national team jersey.
Cyprus Moufflons win their first international match 39-3, versus Greece.
Cyprus v Greece - Post Match Report
In their first international rugby
match, only 3 months after being officially accepted as the 43rd member of F.I.R.A. A.E.R., the fledgling
Cyprus National side emphatically beat their more experienced opponents Greece by 39-3. The game, was held in
Paphos Cyprus , on March 24th 2007, in front of an ecstatic crowd of over 3000 spectators.
The Cyprus national side, or the
''Mouflons'' as they have become known, named after the national animal of Cyprus , were more determined and
right from the start set about the powerful Greek side. At no time within the first 10 minutes of the game did
Greece threaten the Cypriot line, in fact it was Cyprus which looked most likely to score with 2 very menacing
breaks down the Greek left wing.
However, it was in the 15th minute
of the game that the vice captain of the Cyprus team, Tony Thoma, printed his name in the history books, by
converting a penalty, and so scored the first ever points for Cyprus. From then on Cyprus continued to press,
and a few minutes later, scrum half Demetris Maratheftis, collected the ball and ran in to score Cyprus's
first ever try, which was then converted by Tony Thoma for a further 2 points.
Within a few minutes Cyprus went
further ahead, albeit somewhat fortuitously, when a penalty attempt from Tony Thoma hit the upright, bounced
back into the path of fly half Andrew Binikos, who accepted this open invitation by collecting the ball and
crossing the line to score his try with alacrity. Unfortunately the conversion failed, and this seemed to spur
the Greek side on, who over the next 5 minutes continued to press in the Cypriot half of the field. 3 moments
of indiscipline by our players on our 22, led to penalties.
However, on all 3 occasions the
Greek team elected to run with the ball instead of kicking for sure points, still believing that their
forwards could power their way through the Cypriot side, and score tries under the posts. Well that was the
theory, but nobody had informed them of the resolve and spirit of the Cypriot players, who for them this first
international match was the equivalent of the Rugby World Cup Final. The Cypriot forwards posted the No Entry
sign, and the Greek efforts were thwarted by some resounding resistance.
Half time came with Cyprus leading
15-0.
The second half saw the Cypriot
team, not only race out the blocks literally, but also race up to the Greek line with deft handling moves
spearheaded by captain Jonathan Pettemerides, which saw our fly half Andrew Benikos run in unopposed between
the posts for Tony Thoma to convert. Could life be better, well yes it could, and was, with Tony Thoma, deftly
converting a penalty to make the score 25-0.
With the crowd in raptures, the
Greeks, who are 2 divisions above Cyprus, encamped themselves in our 22 but the only reward they got was from
a penalty. The infringement that led to this was not entirely clear to me as I was unsighted, though it did
lead to temporary heightened tension amongst the players. In the melee that followed the Cypriots were further
punished by retreating another 10 metres, a fact that allowed the kick to be in range of the Greek stand off
half's boot, and so reduced the deficit to 25-3.
Captain Pettemerides was not to be
dismayed, and led from the front like a good captain should. On 2 occasions within the next 5 minutes, he
picked up the ball in our own half, broke through 3 Greek players, expertly invited the opposing full back's
tackle micro seconds after releasing the ball to first Benikos then Maratheftis, who unfortunately for Cyprus
, both managed to knock on. It must be noted that with the momentum and strength of the two Pettemerides
breaks he could easily have broken through the Greek last line of defense and run in to score himself, but he
unselfishly brought into play his team mates, who to their credit, saw the breaks and followed up the attacks.
The Cypriot forwards kept a tight
control in the loose, and our very fast three quarter line was for ever searching for the weaknesses in the
opposing back line. Similarly, any counter attacks by the Greeks were quickly and efficiently stopped by some
excellent tackling by the whole team. The pressure finally paid off when Tony Thoma burst down the blind side
to score near the corner, which saw him convert his own try. The game needed to end on a high, and it was
Tony's brother Chris who made it a family affair by scoring in the last minutes under the posts, a try which
was converted by his brother.
When, referee Johny Stavrinou blew
the final whistle the score that would remain in the hearts and minds of all the management, trainers, players
and supporters of Cyprus Rugby, was Cyprus 39 Greece 3. A well earned result, which reflected the efforts of
all the players, who gelled and worked well together as a disciplined team.
John Pettemerides, on accepting
both the Independence Cup and Man of the Match award, paid lavish praise on all his team mates for their
fantastic performance and commitment, a sentiment shared by all. A special thanks must also go to coach Niall
Doherty and his staff including Tony Calvert, Carlton ''Dougie'' Douglas and Paul Shanks
Click here to view pictures and team sheets from the
game
Μεγάλη νίκη για την εθνική ομάδα
ράγκμπυ της Κύπρου. Η νεοσύστατη εθνική μας ομάδα, μετά από μια εξαιρετική εμφάνιση συνέτριψε την αντίστοιχη
εθνική ομάδα της Ελλάδας με 39 – 3 κερδίζοντας το Κύπελλο Ανεξαρτησίας.
Ήταν ο πρώτος αγώνας της εθνικής μας, μόλις τρεις μήνες μετά την αναγνώριση της κυπριακής ομοσπονδίας ράγκμπυ
(ΚΟΡΑ) από την FIRA AER (το ευρωπαϊκό τμήμα της διεθνής ομοσπονδίας ράγκμπυ IRB).
Ο αγώνας ήταν συναρπαστικός και ενθουσίασε τους περίπου 2500 θεατές που το παρακολούθησαν. Η κυπριακή ομάδα
ήταν καλύτερη σε όλους τους τομείς και από τ |