Cyprus Men Claim Convincing Away Win Over Gibraltar
Gibraltar 17-48 Cyprus
Half time 10-33
Rugby Europe Men’s Conference 2026/27
Saturday 17 October 2026
Europa Point Stadium
Cyprus got their Rugby Europe Men’s Conference campaign off to a strong start with a convincing 17-48 victory over Gibraltar at Europa Point Stadium on Saturday, scoring eight tries in an impressive away performance.
The match was a historic occasion for the hosts, marking Gibraltar’s first competitive XV international. However, Cyprus quickly demonstrated their attacking threat, using their pace, physicality and strength in the scrum to take control of the contest.
Cyprus Take Control in the First Half
Cyprus made an early breakthrough with blindside flanker Pantelis Stylianou crossing for the opening try and Mihali Joannou adding the conversion to establish a 0-7 lead. Gibraltar responded with a successful penalty, scoring their first-ever competitive points to make it 3-7, but the visitors soon regained control.
Another try by Stylianou extended Cyprus’ advantage before further scores, including a penalty try, saw them pull clear. By the 35th minute Gibraltar were down to 13 men and Cyprus had built a commanding 3-33 lead, capitalising on their attacking opportunities and putting the home defence under sustained pressure.
Gibraltar continued to compete and were rewarded just before half time, scoring their first try in an official competitive international by the hands of second row Lewis Honey. With the conversion successful, the teams went into the break with Cyprus leading 10-33.
Visitors Maintain Their Advantage
Cyprus continued where they had left off after the restart, adding another try following a scrum close to the Gibraltar line to extend their lead to 10-38.
The hosts showed determination to get back into the game, but Cyprus remained dangerous in possession and continued to find ways through the defence. Another try took the visitors to 10-43 as they maintained their advantage.
Gibraltar refused to give up and crossed for a second try, converting to bring the score to 17-43. Cyprus had the final say, however, adding a late try to complete the scoring at 17-48.
A Positive Start for Cyprus
The result gives Cyprus an encouraging start to their 2026/27 Rugby Europe Men’s Conference campaign and puts them at the top of Pool D ahead of Israel, Andorra and Gibraltar. Eight tries and a strong attacking display provided a solid foundation for the season ahead, while the team’s ability to turn pressure into points proved decisive. Pantelis Stylianou was named Man of the Match by the commentators following his standout performance.
Credit is also due to Gibraltar, who marked a significant milestone for their national team by competing in their first official Rugby Europe XV international and scoring twice against the visitors.
Cyprus will now turn their attention to their next Conference fixture, when they host Israel on 3 April 2027.
Cyprus tries: Pantelis Stylianou (6', 21'), penalty try (28'), Ben Yarrow (30'), Mihali Joannou (33'), Joseph Ridgewell (52'), Alex Thompson (65'), Aaron Beyzade (88'). Conversions: Mihali Joannou (7', 31', 34').
Match photos by kiistamuikku - follow on Instagram.
Post-match Interviews
Cyprus Rugby's Partners
A huge thank you to all our partners for their continued support of Cyprus Rugby. Their contribution helps us develop the game, support our players and create more opportunities for rugby across the island. We truly appreciate their commitment to our teams and the wider rugby community and we're proud to have them alongside us.
