Cyprus national rugby union team
 | ||
| Union | Cyprus Rugby Federation | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Moufflons | |
| Coach(es) | Paul Shanks | |
| Captain(s) | Philippos Kyriacou | |
| ||
| First international | ||
| Cyprus 39 - 3 Greece (2007-03-24) | ||
| Largest win | ||
| Cyprus 39 - 3 Greece (2007-03-24) | ||
| Largest defeat | ||
| none to date | ||
The Cyprus National Rugby Union Team represents the country of Cyprus in international rugby union.
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).
There isn't much understanding of the game in Cyprus but as a result of four victories in succession 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 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
9. Demetri Maratheftis - Paphos Tigers
10. Andrew Binikos - Currie RFC
11. Constantine Markou - Solihull RFC
12. George Agathocteous - Paphos Tigers
13. Dan Thrasivolou - Leesbrook RFC
14. Marcus Holden - Paphos Tigers
15. Adam Kyriacou - Ormskirk RFC
16. Devron Deverish - Ayia Nic Stags
17. Dinu Floredan - Paphos Tigers
18. Costas Christou - Limassol Crusaders
19. Panayiotis Jacovides - Paul Lezanne captain Aix Marseille
20. Vladlimiri Muhaylon - Paphos Tigers
21. Dan McFarlane - Limassol Crusaders
22. Panayiotis Loizidis - Iraklis Salonica
23. Panayiotis Ioulianou - Lincoln University
24. Anthony Crassas - Paphos Tigers
25. Colm O Cleirigh - Bective Rangers
26. Chris Christofi -Limassol Crusaders
27. Michaelis Maratheftis - Burton RFC