History Begins: Cyprus Women Rise
- Cyprus Rugby Federation
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Saturday 2 May 2026
They came from Cyprus, from across the UK and from as far as Canada, stories travelling across borders, paths that had never crossed until now. And in the glare of a bright East London sun, those paths became one, as Cyprus Women’s Rugby stepped into history for the first time.
Laying Foundations
Nineteen years after the formation of the Cyprus Rugby Federation, a new chapter has
begun. Not a side project. Not an ambition on paper. But a committed, visible and determined women’s programme, with clear intent: to compete, to grow, and to make its
mark on the European stage by 2027.
The foundations were laid quietly. A soft launch in September 2025. A handful of names. A
shared belief. Then, as the new year turned, momentum built. More players. More
conversations. More purpose. By spring, it had become something tangible, a squad, a
structure, a statement.
At the heart of that progress is Christy Yiannoudes of AEL Limassol, appointed Team
Manager, bringing organisation, energy and clarity to a fast-moving programme. Alongside
her, Dave Lee, Senior Men’s Team Manager and Development Officer, lending experience
and continuity from within the Federation.
“What stands out most is the belief within this group. Players have come together from different places, some meeting for the first time, but already there’s a shared identity forming. That doesn’t happen by chance, it comes from a genuine desire to build something bigger than ourselves. This programme is about creating opportunities, setting standards, and showing what women’s rugby in Cyprus can become. We’re at the start of that journey, but there’s a real sense that something special is taking shape.”
-- Christy Yiannoudes, Cyprus Women’s Team Manager
Building Leadership and Cohesion in Cyprus Rugby
On the field, leadership came in the form of Craig Ratford. Having previously stepped into
the Men’s national setup, Ratford embraced the opportunity to lead the women’s programme with unmistakable enthusiasm, a coach driven by both the game and a deep connection to Cyprus.
Training didn’t ease them in. Under a relentless sun, the kind that blurs the line between
London and Limassol, the squad worked. Hard carries. Sharp lines. Communication building
with every rep. There were moments of rust, naturally, but also flashes of something far
more important: cohesion.
Ratford was supported by the ever-reliable George Cosma, just a week on from launching
the U23s programme, another signal of a Federation building with intent, not hesitation.
“When I was asked if I would take on the responsibility to lead the Women’s programme, it was a very easy decision. My wife and children are Cypriot and it is a second home for us. Combine that with my love for Rugby and it’s the perfect mix. The girls worked incredibly hard and it was great to see them grow as the day progressed. We are up and running now and need to build on the momentum and I can’t wait for the day we get the girls out onto the pitch representing Cyprus.”
-- Craig Ratford, Cyprus Women’s Head Coach
Forging Identity and Unity Beyond the Game
The day unfolded across two intense blocks, punctuated by a well-earned break, with thanks, once again, to our hosts Eton Manor, whose continued support underpins moments like these. But it was in that pause between sessions that something deeper began to take shape.
Laughter echoed across the ground.
Conversations flowed easily. Players who had arrived as individuals, from different countries and different backgrounds, began to come together as one. Bonds forming naturally, effortlessly. New members of the Cyprus Rugby family,
coming to life.
And at its heart, an unmistakable sense of identity, as the spirit of the mouflon stirred, breathing new life into the Cyprus Rugby Federation.
“I feel privileged to be part of this journey. When we launched the Women’s Touch Rugby competition in Cyprus for the 2024/2025 season the goal was always to be at a point in time were we are now. Testament to the girls who have put themselves forward and made the journey to be part of the first ever Cyprus Women’s Rugby training camp. The next goal is to be ready for European competition in 2027. Working together, we will get there, aiming to emulate the Men’s teams with the same success.”
-- Dave Lee, Development Officer, Cyprus Rugby Federation
And this is only the beginning. Because what stood out most wasn’t just the session itself, it
was the feeling around it. Players meeting for the first time but already connected. Staff
aligned. A programme that felt, even in its infancy, real.
And as the final drills wrapped and conversations lingered long after the whistle, one thing
felt undeniable: This wasn’t a trial run. This was the start of something. Amber Bennett, Amelia Bibby-Garroch, Christina Charalambous, Aisha Chebli, Nia Drivados,
Katrina Gemal, Georgia Georgiou, Kat Osborne, Rebecca Osborne, Katerina Pafiti, Sophia Solomon, Myrto Stavrikkou, Ema Subrtova, Lauren Szasz, Stephanie Theodorou, Sidar
Timurturkan, Elissa Xiourouppas - Our History Makers!
“This is a historic day for Cyprus Rugby and a really special moment for everyone involved. It shows that the strategy we put in place is moving in the right direction and starting to deliver real results on the ground. It’s great to see players and staff coming together like this and building something new for the future. A big thank you to everyone who played their part in making this happen, Eton Manor Rugby Club, our sponsors and the whole Cyprus Rugby family. It is just the first step but a big one!.”
-- Antonio Fiorillo, COO, Cyprus Rugby Federation
Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this happen - KYPROCK, N. P. Railings, Illy
Cafe My Mall Limassol, 9waves, LSF - this is a project with substance behind the vision.
Follow Cyprus Women's Rugby on Instagram as more and more content will be
coming out. Thanks to Jess & Maisy @thesocialpair_ for their creative help on the day.
Written by Christos Kasabi
