TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 27 March

27.03.2010
Romania 48, Spain 3 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Cyprus 15, Bosnia Herzegovina 0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
Romania proved too strong for Spain. The Romanians blew away my theory that they would be tired and non motivated. The Romanians are certainly one of the form teams in European rugby. They have remained undefeated during the second round of ENC 1 and look a good prospect to sweep all before them in the repecharge playoffs for the final Rugby World Cup Finals berth.

Cyprus will play in ENC 3C for 2010-12. They defeated Bosnia Herzegovina today to earn promotion. The disappointed Bosnians will remain in 3D.

TEST RUGBY SHOWDOWN: Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina

27.03.2010
Bosnia Herzegovina v Cyprus in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Referee: Psaromatis (Greece)

Venue: Paphiako Stadium

Preview
Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina will play for the ENC 3D title to determine who will be promoted to ENC 3C for 2010-12. Bosnia Herzegovina were relegated from 3C at the end of the 2008-10 ENC series and will be determined to regain their place. They firstly have to overcome a Cyprus team new to international rugby. Cyprus won the away encounter 8-6, in Zenica back in March 2009, and thus have a 2 point, 1 try advantage over their opponents. That has been the only encounter between these two teams.

Bosnia Herzegovina team that will travel to Cyprus. Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Cyprus 38, Bosnia Herzegovina 39th

Prediction: A close game but Cyprus to prevail by 7 points

Action from the first game, played in the snow and cold, in Zenica, March last year. Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Teams

Cyprus Squad
George Agathocleous (Paphos Tigers)
Robert Brown (Moseley Colts, England)
Constantinos Constantinides (Chesham Rugby, England)
Fidias Efthymiou (Paphos Tigers)
Stephan Eleftheriou (Woodford RC, England)
Marcus Holden (Caldy, England)
Christo Kasabi (Saracens Amateurs, England)
Phillipos Kyriacou (Richmond, England)
Matthew Lowe (Paphos Tigers)
Daniel McFarlane (Paphos Tigers)
Lawrence Macrides Chingford RC, England)
Dimitri Maratheftis (Paphos Tigers)
Dino Markou (Solihull RC, England)
Marko Mladenovic (Limassol Crusaders)
Vladlimiri Muhaylon (Paphos Tigers)
Colm O'Cleirgh (Bective Rangers, Ireland)
Luke Steven Panayiotou Peters (North Shore RFC, New Zealand)
Alun Pugh (Paphos Tigers)
George Stylianou (Limassol Crusaders)
Christo Thoma (Paphos Tigers)
Tony Thoma, Capt (Paphos Tigers)
Daniel Thrasivoulou (Derby, England)
Burhan Torgut (Moseley Colts, England)
Andrew Spring (Limassol Crusaders)
Kyriacos Vatikiotis (Manchester, England)
Andreas Zacharia (Lincoln University, England)
Head Coach: Paul Shanks

Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus_national_rugby_union_team, being noted as the squad from v Monaco on.

Bosnia Herzegovina
Ajanović Semir, Ajkunić Jasmin, Bašić Adis, Bešo Latif, Durgut Dženan, Džanić Damir, Glavaš Sinan, Glavaš Selmir, Kapić Albin, Keserović Danijel, Mujić Amir, Mušinović Ermin, Pojskić Edin, Razić Damir, Selimbegović Nermin, Selimspahić Adis, Sinanović Aldijan, Subašić Sabahudin, Šepić Nermin, Šestić Kemal, Tufekčić Sedad, Turčinović Senad & Vidović Željko.
Head Coach: Safet Čerim

http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 27 March

27.03.2010
Spain v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
The Spain-Romania test match is a catch up game that was postponed from February 6 due to a snow covered pitch. Nothing is hinging on this game. Romania only need the point for turning up to move past Portugal and take the vital third place in ENC 1. Romania will then wait 'till May for the result of the Ukraine-Lithuania match, the Playoff for 1st ENC 2A v Best-of-The-rest. Romania will play the winner of that match to decide the third European team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Perhaps Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina are not in the top European bracket of international rugby. No matter. They will play for the ENC 3D title to determine who will be promoted to ENC 3C for 2010-12. Bosnia Herzegovina were relegated from 3C at the end of the 2008-10 ENC series and will be determined to regain their place. They firstly have to overcome a Cyprus team new to international rugby. Cyprus won the away encounter 8-6 and thus have a 2 point, 1 try advantage over their opponents. Of the two matches this is the more interesting game.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULT

06.03.2010
Cyprus 59, Azerbaijan 0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
A huge win for the hosts over a struggling Azerbaijan.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
CYPRUS	5	5	0	0	171	17	154	15
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA	5	4	0	1	115	33	82	13
MONACO	5	1	0	4	59	155	-96	7
AZERBAIJAN	5	0	0	5	27	151	-124	5

Last fixture for ENC 3D
27.03.2010
Bosnia Herzegovina v Cyprus in Paphos

This is virtually the final for this division. Cyprus won the away encounter 8-6 so have a 2 point buffer going into this match. Bosnia Herzegovina needs to win by 3 or more points to gain promotion to ENC 3C for 2010-12. It's going to be a mighty clash on the 27th.

Video of some of the game, thanks to 'DD' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3368

Score ammended to 59-0 from 58-0 as first posted. GWC 09.03.2010

Test Match: Cyprus Travels to Monaco

14.11.2009
Cyprus v Monaco in Menton

Venue: Stade du Val d'Annaud

Referee: Busutil (Malta)

Preview
Menton is a town in France close to the Principality of Monaco.

Cyprus played its first international rugby match in 2007 when they easily defeated Greece 39-3. In the eight tests played since they have been defeated only once, by Israel in a 3C/3D playoff last year. Having already defeated pool favourites Bosnia Herzegovina away, they remain undefeated and are likely winners of Pool D, and thus promotion to ENC 3C for 2010-12.

Monaco is a team mixed with international players from around the worldand some locals. This has caused them problems in the past especially when they win a game. Somebody complains about player eligibility, they are investigated, and more often than not, they have players who are not eligible. And do they care? Well, they take their rugby seriously but realistically without their international players they would not have a team.

Monaco is more than likely to be playing Azerbaijan for the wooden spoon in this competition. There is no relegation as this is the lowest level of competition in Europe.

Previous Encounters
06.12.2008 Cyprus 24-3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
31.10.2007 Cyprus 19-10 in Nicosia

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 38th, Monaco 40th

Prediction: Difficult to ascertain without team lists. Cyprus has to travel, but I'll pick them to win by 7 points.

Teams
Neither team list is available at present

International Test Rugby: Azerbaijan Face Bosnia Herzegovina

07.11.2009
Bosnia Herzegovina v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)

Venue: Stadium Sythian

Referee: Poplavskiy (Ukraine)

Preview
B-H are in the lead in ENC 3D but Cyprus has a match in hand. Cyprus has already defeated B-H away and remain undefeated. B-H must win this game to keep up with Cyprus.

Bosnia Herzegovina's defeated Monaco 52-5 last October. Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Azerbaijan gave the Bosnians a huge fright this time last year. They took a depleted side to Bosnia, were expected to lose by 70 points or so but instead put up a huge fight against an obviously unmotivated and complacent side. I can't see the Bosnians allowing this to happen again.

Image thanks to http://www.rugby.az/

Georgian Malkhaza Cheishvili assumed the position of Azeri head coach only a month ago. Azerbaijan injuries include lgare Gubadove and Muratkhane Farzalieve. Without the team lists its difficult to assertain the strength of the sides but I expect the Bosnians to win.

There is no relegation out of ENC 3D. This level is at the bottom of the European ladder. It is possible, according to the source below, that Turkey will take Slovakia's place in the 2010-12 ENC 3D.

Previous Encounters
22.11.2008 Bosnia Herzegovina 18-7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)
14.05.2006 Bosnia Herzegovina 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-8 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia Herzegovina 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 39th, Azerbaijan 41st

Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina by 12 points.

Teams not yet available.

Azerbaijan Head Coach: Malkhaza Cheishvili.

Sources
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3258

Rugby Test: Bosnia Herzegovina Should Prevail

10.10.2009
Monaco v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Venue: Sportski center Kamberovića polje

Referee: Tarbirta (Moldova)

Preview
The Bosnians won the first round encounter comfortably away. The long bus trip that brought them to Monaco did not appear to have any effect of their game. Monaco can expect a torrid time. All they can hope for is rustiness and complacency from the home side.

Previous Encounters
11.10.2008 Bosnia Herzegovina 52-5 in Menton (ENC 3D)
1998 Bosnia Herzegovina 22-16 in ? (FIRA Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia H 39th, Monaco 40th

Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina by 70 points

Teams:

Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Bosnia Herzegovina
Semir Ajanović
Adis Bašić
Latif Bešo
Armin Bujak
Damir Džanić
Nikola Frana
Selmir Glavaš
Sinan Glavaš
Albin Kapić
Vahdet Kokić
Rusmir Ljutvijević
Amir Mujić
Ermin Mušinović
Edin Pojskić
Damir Razić
Safet Šabačkić
Nermin Selimbegović
Adis Selimspahić
Aldijan Sinanović
Anes Smriko
Sabahudin Subašić
Senad Tabaković
Sedad Tufekčić
Senad Turčinović
Željko Vidović
Armin Zadić
Head Coach:

http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Monaco
Squad not yet available

Test Rugby: Cyprus 8, Bosnia Herzegovina 6

21.03.2009

Played in the snow. The win takes Cyprus to top spot in ENC Division 3D.

Pic thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Test Rugby Results: 21 March

I managed to get the Czech Rep. v Ukraine and Georgia v Russia matches all on the wrong day! So Georgia v Russia is on Sunday.

Ireland are there! For only the second time in its rugby history Ireland have claimed the Grand Slam defeating Wales 17-15 in Cardiff (sorry I had Dublin earlier). What a day for Ireland. By all accounts it was a close thing.

England have regained the Calcutta Cup by defeating Scotland 26-12 in a scrappy game whilst France did what I thought they had a 50-50 chance of doing; they played fantastic rugby to defeat Italy 50-8.

Portugal added to Romanian woes for the week with a 1 point win in Bucharest. Despite three top France-based players back in the team the Romanians are now off the pace in ENC Division 1 plus they also do not have an appointed coach.

The Ukraine began the grand weekend of rugby in the Ukraine (Russia plays Georgia tomorrow in Ukraine on neutral soil) with a good 20-10 win over Czech Republic who seem to be at least 10 points adrift per match without their France-based pro Martin Jagr.

Andorra caused what is probably the upset of 2009 so far; possibly in the history of European rugby. Armenia were expected to defeat the Andorrians comfortably. Yours truly predicted by 30 points, others by more. Andorra turned the form book on its head with a comprehensive 36-10 win. Armenia were nowhere near today!

In the other divisions of the ENC, Israel were too good for Luxembourg, winning 30-0 at home. Slovakia edged a one-point win 11-10 over Monaco at home whilst Cyprus is now the leading team with an 8-6 win over Bosnia Herzegovina away.

Results at a glance
Ireland 17, Wales 15 in Cardiff (6 Nations and Grand Slam Winner)
England 26, Scotland 12 at Twickenham (Calcutta Cup and 6 Nations)
France 50, Italy 8 in Rome (Garibaldi Trophy & 6 Nations)
Portugal 22, Romania 21 in Bucharest (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Ukraine 20, Czech Republic 10 in Odessa (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Andorra 36, Armenia 10 in Andorra (WCQ Euro. R4; ENC 3A)
Israel 30, Luxembourg 0 in Netanya (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Slovakia 11, Monaco 10 in Bratislava (ENC 3D)
Cyprus 8, Bosnia Herzegovina 6 in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Sunday's matches
Russia v Georgia in Mariupol, Ukraine (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Laos v Brunei in Savannakhet (Asia Nations Regional 1)

International Rugby: Slovakia v Monaco Updated

21.03.2009
Slovakia v Monaco in Bratislava (ENC 3D)

Venue
Slovnaft Stadion, Vlčím Hrdle

Previews


Slovakia v Monaco rugby programme. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/

Not a great deal of love lost between these two minnows. In 2006 they met at this level in Slovakia's first test match. Monaco won 6-0 but lost the game because Slovakia claimed, and won, that Monaco included enelligble players in their squad. The thing was Monaco had just returned from a lengthy ban for the exact same offence a few years earlier.

Previous Encounters
14.10.2006 Monaco 6-0* in Bratislava (ENC 3D, Pool B)
* Match lost by Monaco on appeal.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovakia 40th, Monaco 41st

Prediction: Slovakia by 14 points

Teams

Slovakia
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Antonín Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Jiří Smrček (Dragon Brno, Czech Rep.)
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Rep.)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-proti-monaku




Slovakia rugby team v Monaco. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/


Monaco

Team not available

Test Match: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina Update

21.03.2009
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Venue:
Kamberovice Polje

Previews
See other posts during the week

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 38th, Cyprus 39th

Prediction: B H by 3 points.

Teams
Neither squad is available

Test Rugby Preview: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina 2

Now its Cyprus's turn. The senior men's side is called the Moufflons. A moufflon is a species of wild sheep. A fairly formidible creature by the look of it.



Image thanks to wikipedia

Rugby has been played in Cyprus since the 1950's mostly, until recently, by British service teams. Since 2004 the local competition was formed and the three teams have thrived since. Cyprus is now an associate member of the IRB and a full member of FIRA-AER. Success and promotion to Division 3C would go a long way towards Cyprus becoming a full member of the IRB.

Cyprus played its first full rugby international test in March of 2007. Their opponent was Greece, long time recognized as the big brother of Cyprus' Greek population. The Greeks were rather shocked at the intensity of the opposition with Cyprus running out winners 39-3!


Action from Cyprus v Greece, first international test played by Cyprus. Cyprus, in the light blue, ran out winners 39-3. Image thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com


Cyprus was then accepted into ENC 3D. For 2007 the programme of fixtures was played that year in tournament format on the island of Cyprus.Cyprus won against Monaco, Azerbaijan and Slovakia to win the tournament. Cyprus then had to face Israel in Israel in a 3C/3D one-off playoff. Israel proved too strong at home winning 23-14 and thus confining Cyprus in division 3D for the next two years.

So far Cyprus has won its three matches to date; 37-3 against Azerbaijan away, 24-3 over Monaco at home and 33-7 at home against Slovakia. So now it comes down to an away clash against Bosnia Herzegovina to see who lands on top of the points table at the halfway stage.


Cyprus team after playing Azerbaijan. Image thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com

For a full list of all Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby Preview: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina 1

Bosnia Herzegovina Logo. Thanks to irb.com

It's unlikely that this rugby test, to be played this Saturday, will hardly raise an eyebrow of interest in any area of sporting news this week. So lets do it here.

The European Nations Cup is contested by the rugby nations of Europe outside the 6 Nations International Championship. Some incorrectly refer to it as 6 Nations 'B' or second division. There are three sections each with at least two divisions. Division 3D is right at the bottom of the table. In fact the teams in this division do not qualify for any 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches. But despite that there is a lot to play for.

Played over two seasons on a home-away basis, the European Nations Cup (we'll say ENC from here) is the quage of strength in European rugby. The winner of 3D is automatically promoted to 3C in 2010. If the present system of qualification is used for 2015 Rugby World Cup then teams in 3C will qualify. So this match will go a long way to see which team will look most likely to qualify.

So lets look at these two rugby minnows. Bosnia Herzegovina has been on the international scene longer than Cyprus. Bosnia Herzegovina played its first international rugby test in 1992 soon after breaking away from the Yogoslavian Federation. They lost 3-47 to Croatia in Split. The disasterous war that followed put a halt to any organised rugby in the area for 4 years. On 21st September 1997 international rugby began again for Bosnia Herzegovina. Croatia again journeyed to the troubled land, this time Zenica, to win easily 62-3. No matter! The Bosnians were on their way again.

The following season Bosnia Herzegovina joined FIRA competitions for the first time. They joined Pool B and enjoyed their first international success, 22-16 against Monaco, but were generally outplayed by the likes of Croatia (again), Hungary, Austria and Slovenia. Then in 2000 they played in Rugby World Cup 2003 qualification matches. They started with a shock 13-12 win over Hungary. They also defeated their old enemy Yugoslavia 23-13 in Sarajevo but did not progress to the next stage.

In 2001-02 Bosnia Herzegovina played in FIRA Division B, Pool B winning against Luxembourg and Israel but losing to Lithuania and Hungary. 2002-03 saw the introduction of the present competition structure under the guidance of FIRA-AER. Starting off in Division 3B Bosnia lost all their games over the next two seasons and found themselves in Division 3C. The early promise was not being realised.

In 2004 Bosnia Herzegovina participated in a home-away series against Austria to see who would proceed to the first round of qualification for the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals in France. Bosnia Herzegovina lost both matches, Austria proceeding.

In 2004-05 Bosnia Herzegovina played a home-away series against Azerbaijan as the only teams in ENC 3C. Bosnia won on points aggregate and stayed in 3C but in early 2005 lost a 3B/3C knockout game against Hungary 8-56 and thus remained in 3C. For the next three seasons the Bosnians struggled at this level finally being relegated to 3D at the end of the 2007-08 season. So far they have shown that they are a cut above the other teams at this level, overwhelming Monaco 52-5 in October and then finally defeating a fierly Slovakia 46-32 in November. The Bosnians then creaked home 18-7 against a weakened Azerbaijan in late November.


Slovakia win a lineout. Photo thanks to http://rugbylife.blogger.ba/

So the scene is set for a right old clash against the other undefeated team in this competition, Cyprus. More on their opponents tomorrow.

Bosnia Herzegovina team to play in Cyprus 21.03.2009. Thanks to http://rugbylife.blogger.ba/

For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by Bosnia Herzegovina go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Tests Coming Up

A huge weekend of international rugby coming up next weekend. Can't wait!
The big clashes are Ireland v Wales to determine the 6 Nations Championship, Georgia and Russia square off to see who takes out the first round of ENC 1 and Cyprus heads to Bosnia to battle for the top honours in ENC 3D.

21.03.2009
Ireland v Wales in Dublin (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
Georgia v Russia in Krasnodar (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Portugal v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Armenia v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro.R4;ENC3A)
Israel v Luxembourg in Netanya (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Slovakia v Monaco in Bratislava (ENC 3D)
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

22.03.2009
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Odessa (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)

Also...
An Asia Nations regional tournament is due to get underway in Laos March 22-28 involving Laos, Cambodia and Brunei.

Test Rugby Results at a Glance

14.03.2009
Ireland 22, Scotland 15 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales 20, Italy 15 in Rome (6 Nations)
Georgia 28, Romania 23 in Tblissi (WCQ Euro. R1; ENC 1)
Belgium 15, Czech Republic 15 in Brussels (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)Switzerland 32, Andorra 9 in Avusy (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Today
France v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)

Test Rugby Result: Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7

14.03.2009
Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Reviews
I predicted a win for Slovakia but an easy win for Cyprus at home puts them just into the lead over Bosnia Herzegovina on the points table. The clash between Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina next weekend in Zenica will decide who wins the first round.

Preview
This is the lowest division in the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup. It is also the only division that does not play in the 2011 World Cup qualifying matches.

Cyprus is one of the undefeated teams in this division. The other is Bosnia Herzegovina. The winner of the second round (to be played 2009-10) will be promoted to Division 3C which, under the present qualifying system, are eligible to participate in the qualifying series for the 2015 World Cup finals. Cyprus has defeated Monaco and Azerbaijan, neither of whom are championship contenders.

Slovakia on the other hand pushed the Bosnians close at home last November, losing 32-46. So, providing they travel well and have been able to select their strongest team, they could well cause an upset at the British Army ground.

Previous Encounters

These teams have met only once before. Cyprus winning easily at home 38-8 in November 2007.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Slovakia 40t

No Change

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Peter Bolla (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Richard Januš (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Andrej Nátěr (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Titus Silný (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan


Slovak team photo thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-slovenska-proti-kypru
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042


Cyprus team logo thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com

Cyprus Squad
Forwards:
Christo Kasabi,
Tony Thoma,
Dinu Floredan
Graeme Scott
Stephan Eleftheriou
Panos Jacovides
Andy Spring
Vlad Muhaylon
Deano Dean
Chris Thoma
Marco Mladenovic
George Theodoulou
Dan McFarlane

Backs:
Dimitri Maratheftis
George Agathocteous
Dan Thrasivolou
Marcus Holden
Anthony Crassas
Colm O’Cleirigh
Andreas Zacharia
Marc Thrasivoulou
Luke Peters
Kyle Oelofse
Fidias Efthymiou
AJ Pugh

http://www2.onthisisland.com/moufflon-team-announced/2009/03/03/
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042

Test Rugby This Weekend 14-15 March

14.03.2009
Wales v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Romania v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Czech Rep. v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Switzerland v Andorra in Avusy (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus v Slovakia in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

15.03.2009
France v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

Reviews
The odds are on Ireland extending their lead in the 6 Nations Championship. However Scotland have a chance to defeat Ireland. Scotland won well against Italy last weekend whilst Ireland struggled against a struggling England and Scotland has the home advantage.

Realistically Wales would have to play dreadfully to lose to Italy in Rome whilst the England-France clash at Twickenham on Sunday could well be the game of the weekend. A loss to either side would almost certainly knock it out of championship contention.

The winner of the Romania-Georgia clash in Tblissi will jump to the lead in the European Nations Cup Division 1. Romania has already lost to Russia at home and may well find a rejuvinated Georgia too much at home. On Sunday Spain and Portugal clash in a most interesting Iberian contest. Both sides are on the brink in this competition with Portugal showing the better recent form and they also play at home.

For the first time since last November the contests below ENC Division 1 emerge. Divison 2A is wide open with all teams on four points and all with one loss each. The Czech Republic now play their last two games in a row and both are away. Belgium was one of the leading teams in ENC 2A last year but is finding the going tougher this year. The winner will jump to the lead.

Switzerland host Andorra in a bottom of the table clash in ENC 3A. Both teams have two losses and look well off the pace of the leaders Armenia and Lithuania. The host team has an advantage.

Cyprus and Slovakia are two of the newest teams in European rugby. Although not a Rugby World Cup qualifier, the contests in Divison 3D will produce a winner by 2010 and that winner will progress to Divison 3C. From there they will participate (under the existing system) in the qualifying system for the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

Rugby Test: Monaco v Cyprus

06.12.2008
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol

Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.

These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.

Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.

Teams not available

Test Rugby: Cyprus v Azerbaijan

29.11.2008
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)

Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.

Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.

Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.

Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.

Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.

Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points

Teams not available

Test Rugby: Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina

22.11.2008
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.

Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.

Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.

Teams not available