Cypriot Rugby Union Teams - Cyprus National Rugby Union Team, Limassol Crusaders, Paphos Tigers (Paperback)

Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Not illustrated. Excerpt: The Cyprus National Rugby Union Team known as "The Mofflons" is the representative side of Cyprus in rugby union. Their nickname is "The Moufflons" after a kind of horned sheep. There was never much initial understanding of the game in Cyprus through the Cypriot culture. But as a result of victories against more established teams the game is starting to get covered in the Cypriot media. It is hoped that the success of the national side will help spread the game on the island. It is interesting to note that many of the Cypriot players learned their game growing up in countries where rugby is played extensively, such as South Africa and the UK - the countries that their parents or grandparents emigrated to. Until March 2010, Cyprus did not have a National Stadium, due to the poor recognition of the government they did not supply a stadium. Cyprus first international was played in Paphos at Kiniras Sports ground. Then a further game at the same ground in the ENC 3D tournament against Slovakia. They then moved the British Army base playing their games at Happy Valley in Episkopi. Now the national stadium has been recognised as Pafiako Stadium which is situated in the centre of Paphos. It holds a capacity of 10,000. In nearly three years of international competition, Cyprus have managed to lose only one match, the promotion/relegation playoff away to Israel. Cyprus are not a full member of the IRB, so none of their international matches count towards the IRB World Rankings. Head Coach: Paul Shanks Staff ... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=10641330