CRF Texas Scramble Golf Tournament

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.

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:

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&#