Thompson Hat-Trick as Young Mouflons Reach First Major Milestone
- Cyprus Rugby Federation
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
On the bright morning of Sunday 26 April 2026, something quietly significant unfolded.
40 young Mouflons, aged between 16 and 23, gathered for the first dedicated Cyprus U23 training session and match ever held outside of Cypriot soil. For many, it was their first introduction to the programme. For some, their first time meeting. By the end of the day, it felt like the start of something much bigger.
But this wasn’t built overnight.
The Spark
Over the past two years, Cyprus Rugby had seen a steady rise in interest from a new generation. Messages began arriving, through the website, through Team Manager Dave Lee, from young players across the UK and beyond, each with a connection to Cyprus and a desire to represent it.
One by one, names were added. A database slowly formed. By the time pre-season camp arrived in August, the signs were there, this wasn’t just interest, it was a pipeline.
The spark came on a winter’s night.
On Saturday 29 November, in an East London pub, over a few pints, a conversation took shape between Christos Kasabi, George and Billy Cosma and CRF President Constantinos Constantinides. The topic, as always, was Cyprus Rugby, but this time there was a shift in thinking.
There was a responsibility emerging.
Looking at the names, the ages, the glimpses of talent from the summer, there was a feeling that this group couldn’t be left to drift. They needed structure. Opportunity. A pathway.
At best, they estimated they had 18 players.
They were wrong.
Building the Talent Pool
From that point, momentum built quickly.
Christos and Dave set about constructing something far more robust - a live, detailed database tracking everyone from established capped internationals to completely unknown prospects. Eligibility checks became routine. Names were tested, verified, chased down. At times, it was almost detective work, Cypriot-sounding names sent across, messages followed up, conversations opened, all with one goal: uncover the next generation of Mouflons.
And the numbers kept growing.
With each addition, the idea evolved. Internal discussions within the CRF expanded the vision: not just a player pool, but a structured pathway. Dedicated U23 and U20 squads. A bridge between emerging talent and the senior national side.
When the list reached 30 players, it stopped being an idea.
It became real.
Putting Structure Around the Vision
Every project needs leadership.
The first step was assembling a coaching team that understood both the badge and the pathway. Former international Burhan Torgut, now an experienced coach with Wilmslow Wolves, was brought in, alongside current Cyprus player George Cosma, who coaches Essex U20s and Eton Manor Colts.
Both had debuted young for Cyprus. Both had gone on to earn multiple caps. Both understood exactly what it meant to wear the shirt and what it takes to get there.
At the same time, the player pool was accelerating.
What began as a simple training day quickly evolved. First into a training day plus an internal trial match. Then, as depth across all positions became clear, into something more ambitious: a full fixture against Eton Manor U23s.
It was the perfect solution, offering Cyprus the flexibility to rotate and assess combinations, while facing a consistent, competitive opposition.
Eton Manor, long-time supporters of Cyprus Rugby and led on this occasion by George Cosma himself, once again opened their doors.
Bringing It Together
The final challenge was the hardest: getting everyone in one place.
Messages flew, emails, calls, WhatsApps, coordinating travel, availability, logistics. Slowly, confirmations came in.
43 players committed.
In the inevitable reality of rugby, three were forced to withdraw through injury in the final week. But on the day, 40 players stood ready, an extraordinary turnout for a programme at its very beginning.
The group included:
A 16-year-old prospect
Six 17-year-olds
A core of returning talent
Nine capped internationals anchored the squad, providing experience and leadership within an otherwise fresh and unfamiliar group:
# | Name | Legacy No. | Caps | Debut | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
84 | Kai Star George Phillips | 146 | 6 | vs. Israel (H) | 12-Nov-22 |
85 | Alexander Michael Georgiou | 147 | 6 | vs. Bulgaria (H) | 13-May-23 |
89 | Alexander Thompson | 151 | 5 | vs. Malta (A) | 04-Nov-23 |
98 | Mitchell Fielder | 149 | 4 | vs. Malta (A) | 04-Nov-23 |
137 | Marcus Kay | 156 | 2 | vs. Andorra (H) | 05-Apr-25 |
138 | Joseph Ridgewell | 157 | 2 | vs. Andorra (H) | 05-Apr-25 |
159 | Aaron Beyzade | 159 | 1 | vs. Malta (H) | 15-Nov-25 |
160 | Charles Panteli | 160 | 1 | vs. Malta (H) | 15-Nov-25 |
164 | Rico Lam | 164 | 1 | vs. Malta (H) | 15-Nov-25 |
It was a blend of proven and untested. Of known quality and raw potential.
Of individuals, about to become a team.
Then came kick off between Eton Manor U23s and Cyprus U23s. Click here to read the match report.
Written by Christos Kasabi
