International Rugby In Cyprus
Tuesday 7th August 2007
 by Andrew Hill

Cyprus 39 - 3 Greece. I remember it. I was there.
Back in March ,Cyprus, and Paphos in particular played host to the inaugural Independence Cup between Cyprus and Greece at the Kiniras Sports Centre.

Since then Cyprus Rugby has moved on at pace. The C.R.F (Cyprus Rugby Federation) has been busy with plans for bringing more International Rugby to Cyprus. Cyprus are part of a European Qualifying Group for the Rugby World Cup. This means group matches home and away.

Starting in October Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia will play host to a series of matches between Cyprus, Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Monaco.

October 28th Sunday - Limassol

Cyprus v. Azerbaijan  

October 31st Wednesday - Nicosia

Slovakia vs. Azerbaijan
Cyprus (Invitation XV) vs. Monaco

November 3rd Saturday - Paphos

Cyprus vs. Slovakia
Azerbaijan vs. Monaco

These promise to be hard fought quality rugby matches with Cyprus offered a chance of a promotion playoff in May 2008 for entry to the next group if they win their matches. This special promotion opportunity comes after the impressive display by Cyprus in March. This would take us from European Group 3D to 3C. A fantastic opportunity to put Cyprus on the map.

Before these matches are played Paphos plays host to a Colts training camp. From Wednesday august 29th to Sunday September 2nd the Cyprus Colts and a contingent of 26 players and coaches from Greece will be holed up in a hotel with twice daily training/skills sessions.
The Colts will benefit from the experience of an I.R.B/F.I.R.A coach, Henrik Kruger (SA), a Colts coaching specialist. Henrik will be assisted by the C.R.Fs Niall Doherty and Paul Shanks.

Such a huge leap forward in such a short space has taken a huge effort and commitment from the C.R.F and the local clubs and representatives who have given of their time and energy to make these events possible.

I look forward to seeing you at some international rugby matches soon.