News

Cyprus await dream Sevens debut

May 21 2008

Cyprus Rugby are making the final preparations to their first trip away from home with squad selection confirmed for the FIRA European Sevens event in Georgia next month.

The team known as the Moufflons, who are also to make their debut shortened-game appearance at the Tbilisi tournament, will also fly out to the final leg of the series in Corfu on June 20.

Drawn in a testing Pool alongside the likes of Wales and the host nation, the improving Cypriots will also go toe-to-toe with Israel and Bulgaria in testing temperatures and crowds.

Favourites Wales are poised to enter the Georgia leg in fine form after edging Ireland to extra-time glory in Denmark ten days ago in their quest for Dubai Rugby World Cup qualification next March.

However, for new boys Cyprus, who only recently announced themselves onto the fifteen-a-side circuit after beating neighbours Greece prior to wins over Azerbaijan, Monaco and Slovakia in a home tournament, it will be a huge opportunity to gauge their standing against even sterner opposition.

And that is certainly the view of Head Coach Niall Doherty as he hopes to keep the momentum flowing in Tbilisi and Corfu.

"I believe the Sevens game is a crucial part of the development of the game of rugby especially here in Cyprus itself," he told Planet Rugby.

"Regarding the tournament, we are very pleased to be playing against top international teams as it will give us an idea as to where exactly we fit in terms of skills and technical ability against the different standards in European rugby.

"And I believe we will surprise one or two people."

However, while Doherty is delighted to lead Cyprus in their first Sevens outing, he is also keeping one eye on the forthcoming XV-a-side promotion play-off later in the year.

"To compete on a regular basis on the IRB Sevens circuit is of our main objectives for Cyprus Rugby," he added.

"However, if we do get promoted (in the play-off), it will allow us to compete at the next level against stronger opposition.

"It will also give us an opportunity to pitch into even higher levels as European 3C games will be part of RWC 2011. We need no bigger incentive than that."

Cyprus Sevens Squad:

Andrew Binikos (c), Philippos Kyriacou, George Agathocleous, Tony Crassas, Adam Kyriacou, Dan Thrasivoulou, Luke Peters, Panayiotis Ioulianou, Chris Thoma, Andreas Zacharia.