Cyprus national rugby union team

The Cyprus National Rugby Union Team represents the country of Cyprus in international rugby union.

Cyprus is coached by Irishman Niall Doherty, who also coaches Greece. The team takes their nickname - "The Moufflons" - from the crest. The moufflon is a Cypriot breed of horned sheep.

The first game for Cyprus took place on March 24th, 2007 at home against Greece. The Cypriot XV won 39-3. Cyprus continued their great start in international rugby by beating Azerbaijan 29-0 at the Pafiako Stadium in Paphos on October 28th, 2007. They then put in back-to-back victories against Monaco on March 31st, 2007 (19-10) and Slovakia on 3rd November, 2007 (38-8).

Their next game will be in May 2008 against Finland.

There isn't much understanding of the game in Cyprus but as a result of four victories in succession against more establised 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 or the UK - the countries that their parents or grandparents emigrated to.

Doherty has endeared himself to locals by insisting that all members of the Cypriot squad are required to learn the national anthem.

Current squad
1. Fredrick Pissis - SCA Sporting Club Albigois 2. Christo Kasabi - Saracens 3. Tony Thoma - Paphos Tigers 4. Christo Frixou - Worcester Lions 5. Warren Deane - Paphos Tigers 6. Philippos Kyriacou - Richmond 7. Chris Thoma - Paphos Tigers 8. Jonathan Pettemerides - London Scottish (Captain) 9. Michaelis Maratheftis - Burton RFC 10. Demetri Maratheftis - Paphos Tigers 11. Andrew Binikos - Currie RFC 12. Constantine Markou - Solihull RFC 13. George Agathocteous - Paphos Tigers 14. Dan Thrasivolou - Leesbrook RFC 15. Chris Christofi -Limassol Crusaders 16. Adam Kyriacou - Ormskirk RFC 17. Devron Deverish - Ayia Nic Stags 18. Dinu Floredan - Paphos Tigers 19. Costas Christou - Limassol Crusaders 20. Panayiotis Jacovides - Paul Lezanne Aix Marseille 21. Vladlimiri Muhaylon - Paphos Tigers 22. Dan McFarlane - Limassol Crusaders 23. Panayiotis Loizidis - Iraklis Salonica 24. Panayiotis Ioulianou - Lincoln University 25. Anthony Crassas - Paphos Tigers 26. Colm O Cleirigh - Bective Rangers