Cyprus Face Greece in International First

CYPRUS, the most recent member of the European Rugby Federation, will take on an experienced Greece side this Saturday in the first rugby international to take place on he island.

The two sides will be competing for the Independence Cup, an esoteric Hellenic affair, at the Kiniras Stadium in Paphos at 2.30pm.

Cyprus will be playing against a side that has been a member of he European Federation for four years, and are currently the leading their a very tough regional group.

The Greek squad arrive on Friday night at 8.20p.m. at Larnaca airport and will be greeted by he Cyprus Rugby Union president, Costas Mastoroudes and his welcoming committee, who will accompany them to their accommodation in Paphos.

The Greeks will not announce heir team until Saturday morning, and like all international rugby sides, will be drawing on members that play he game overseas.

International rules allow players to represent a country if they can show nationality deriving from a grandparent; or citizenship; or have 3 years residential qualification.

The national side will be drawn from a training squad of 22, as featured in Sunday’s ‘Seven” magazine, and will rely heavily on the three main Cypriot clubs; Paphos Tigers, Limassol Crusaders, and the Nicosian Barbarians.

Cyprus will be led by Jonathan Pettemerides, currently of the once mighty exiles side; London Welsh, and formerly of one- time English league champions; Bath.

Playing at number 8, the captain will be the lynch-pin of the pack; a position that requires speed and an appetite for tough ackling.

In addition, we have Andrew Binikou and George Agathocleos, who play their rugby in South Africa for College Rovers in Durban, and Michael Maratheftis and Felix Frixou from north of England league sides, Burton and Derby.

The rest of the team will be drawn from the following: Lawrence Vassiliades, Peter Hunter, Kostas Christou, Greg Loucaides, Andy Webster, Tony Thoma (Vice-captain), Chris Thoma, Marios Shattaoulas, Dinu Florendun, Vladimir Mijhalov, Alexi Pavlou, Gary Thompson, Warren Dean, Chris Christophi, and Panayiotis Loizides.

The game, will be strictly refereed by Mr. John Stavrou (S.A.R.F.U.) and his touch judges, Mr. John Holland (Rugby referees co-ordinator for Cyprus, and R.F.U.), Mr. Andreas Fragkopouls (G.R.F.U); the fourth official being, Mr. Keith Elliot(R.F.U.).
On the morning of the game there will be an official photo-op at 10am at the Coral Beach Hotel where the team, management and officials, will be present.
Later at the stadium, at 12noon, a further opportunity to film he team accompanied by all the officials of Cyprus Rugby Federation.

Great efforts have been made to bring rugby to the island and his match will act as an excellent measure as to how far it has progressed and give fans an opportunity to witness the game played at a high level.

make sure this is an event to remember; and if it is your first game, prepare to be surprised. Rugby is not for the faint hearted.

Admission is 2 pounds for adults and one pound for children.