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In what promises to be a thrilling meeting of two new rugby presences, the first ever official international rugby match between Cyprus and Greece will be held on Saturday 24th of March at the Kinyras Sports Centre in Geroskipou. The kickoff will take place at two thirty (14:30), while the curtain raiser will be a match between Limassol Crusaders’ and Paphos Tigers’ Under 17 teams, promising a good indication of the future players of the national team. While Greece is relatively new in the rugby arena, they are making waves as a team to be reckoned with, after emerging victorious in their encounters so far. Cyprus, as the newest affiliated member accepted by FIRA (this also means Cyprus is now also recognized by the IRB), will in fact be playing for the first time as the official Cyprus 15. Last year, a delegation from the Cyprus Rugby Federation which consisted of President Costas Mastoroudes and Secretary Chris Athinakis made an official presentation at the Annual General Meeting of FIRA in Paris in November, after having fulfilled all the admittance criteria. After two years of hard work, it seems to have paid off, as FIRA voted unanimously to accept Cyprus as its newest affiliated member. This means that Cyprus will now be playing in the international circuit and is even eligible for qualification in the next Rugby World Cup, if they win their group, which includes Greece who are at present top of that group. The game on the 24th of March will be sponsored by Artio Brasserie, while the Cyprus Rugby Team’s new official kit is sponsored by Israeli kit-manufacturers Kukri; medical cover to be supplied by HM. Entrance will be two pounds for adults (three pounds including a programme) and one pound for children. Tickets are available from the Keg and Barrel Pub in Paphos (99408367), Shaka Zulu Bar in Limassol (25 323362) and VRS Hypoallergenic in Nicosia (22878224). Highlights from the match will also be shown on LTV. For more information, contact the Cyprus Rugby Federation on 99934315, or visit their website on www.cyprus-rugby.com |