RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

17.10.2015
Ukraine 30, Poland 14 in Khmelnytskyi (REC 1B)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
BELGIUM	7	6	0	1	146	112	134	4	28
UKRAINE	7	5	0	2	155	111	44	2	22
MOLDOVA	5	3	0	2	155	83	72	4	16
POLAND	7	3	0	4	146	187	-41	2	15
NETHERLANDS	5	2	0	3	81	74	3	2	10
SWEDEN	7	0	0	7	80	296	-193	0	0

Bosnia Herzegovina 24, Turkey 21 in Zenica (REC 2D)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
BOSNIA H.	6	6	0	0	174	81	93	2	25
NORWAY	5	3	0	2	99	75	24	2	14
FINLAND	5	2	0	3	77	83	-6	2	10
TURKEY	5	1	0	4	105	130	-25	3	7
BULGARIA	5	1	0	4	79	165	-86	3	7

Test match friendly
Gibraltar 29, Malta Barbarians 14 in Valette         

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA v TURKEY: REC 2D

17.10.2015

Venue: Zenica

Previews

’Well Čelik ('Zenica club') isn't out of shape, just 10 out of first 15 players went to France(and other countries) after winning the RRC last year

It won't be the best possible team, but it'll be the best available one. I'm more concerned with the weather The floods are hitting Bosnia and Herzegovina again, and rain isn't stopping. It's going to be difficult to play fluently, and I think it'll favour the Turks, but I have no doubt about the winner ‘

Comments thanks to ‘delpy’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=689&sid=d844c25642c9433b22c5ee429a7f5265

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Bosnia Herzegovina 34th, Turkey 36th

World Rugby Rankings do not apply as Turkey is not a full member of that body

Prediction: Bosnia H. by 11 points. Score 27-16

Bosnia squad, thanks to http://zeragbi.blogspot.co.uk

Ajanović Semir, Turčinović Senad, Stanković Zeid, Pojskić Edin, Suljić Ammar, Oruč Haris, Tufekčić Sedad, Durgut Dženan, Zadić Armin, Subašić Sabahudin, Spahić Fadil, Glavaš Selmir, Hamzić Adnan, Topčić Semir, Tuka Elvis, Bašić Adis, Fetić Mirsad, Mrkaljević Muhamed, Ahmić Nejro, Bišić Mahir, Smajlović Samed, Begić Haris & Spahić Elvin.

Turkey squad not available

Also today a friendly ‘test’ match

Malta Barbarians v Gibraltar

Venue: Valetta

The Barbarians is a home-based side whilst Gibraltar is yet to gain affiliation to Rugby Europe due to the protests of Spain.

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

30.05.2015
Netherlands 24, Sweden 14 in Amsterdam (REC 1B)

23.05.2015
Ukraine 18, Netherlands 10 in Odessa (REC1B)
Finland 20, Turkey 12 in Helsinki (REC 2D)
Norway 43, Bulgaria 0 in Bergen (REC 2D)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: REC 2C & 2D 25

25.04.2015
Serbia 25, Denmark 22 in Odense (REC 2C)
Slovenia 17, Austria 16 in Vienna (REC 2C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 29, Finland 7 in Zenica (REC 2D)
Turkey 28, Bulgaria 26 in Antalya (REC 2D)

Briefly
In a close game in Odense Serbia continued its amazing turnaround by defeating Denmark. Serbia is now looking a likely promotion candidate next season.

Slovenia just edged out home team Austria in another very close game. This is now Austria’s second loss in a row.

In Division 2D Bosnia Herzegovina were too good for visitors Finland whilst Turkey caused an upset defeating Bulgaria by two points. This was a second leg game meaning normally it would have been played next season.

REC 2D: BULGARIA V TURKEY

25.04.2015

Venue: Anatayla

Referee: Kalaxilos (Greece)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
BOSNIA H.	2	2	0	0	93	37	56	1	9
FINLAND	1	1	0	0	32	10	22	1	5
BULGARIA	2	1	0	1	38	78	-40	1	5
TURKEY	2	0	0	2	44	60	-16	2	2
NORWAY	1	0	0	1	10	32	-22	0	0

Preview

These European neighbours have always had an uneasy political relationship ever since Bulgaria pulled away from the Ottoman Empire back in the 1880’s.

These two teams have met once before. Last November Bulgaria won 26-19 in Sofia. This match is being played as a second leg fixture, rather than it being played next year.

In this competition the relegated team from ENC 2C, Bulgaria, meets the promoted team from ENC 3, Turkey. Turkey has been finding the rise to this level a tough one

Bulgaria has had a horror trot of international test rugby results since they were promoted to ENC 2C in 2012. There were relegated last year.

Turkey Last Five P 5, W3, L 2
01.11.2014 v Bulgaria L 19-26 in Sofia (REC 2D)
25.10.2014 v Bosnia Herzegovina L 25-34 in Edrine (REC 2D)
23.11.2013 v Slovakia W 55-3 in Bratislava (ENC 3)
20.11.2013 v Azerbaijan W 31-3 in Bratislava (ENC 3)
17.11.2012 v Azerbaijan W 53-3 in Kemer (ENC 3)

Bulgaria Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
01.11.2014 v Turkey W 26-19 in Sofia (ENC 2D)
04.10.2014 v Bosnia Herzegovina L 12-59 in Zenica (ENC 2D)
26.04.2014 v Cyprus L 15-46 in Sofia (ENC 2C)
12.04.2014 v Slovenia L 17-43 in Ljubliana (ENC 2C)
19.10.2013 v Austria L 14-58 in Vienna (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Bulgaria 35th, Turkey 39th

World Rugby Ranking Points do not apply as Turkey is not a full member of World Rugby.

Prediction: Bulgaria by 7 points. Score 19-12

TEAMS

    

Not available

EXTRA FIXTURE THIS WEEKEND

25.04.2015
Turkey v Bulgaria in Antalya (REC 2D)

This is the second time this season that a game for next season is to be played in this. Previously Norway and Finland were the first to play next seasons fixture almost straight after this seasons.

TURKEY v BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA: ENC 2D

25.10.2014

   

Venue: Kasim Stadium, Erdine

Referee: Sergey Poplavskyi (Ukraine)

Preview
This is a special match in the world of test rugby. New test nation Turkey will play its first game up a level from last year’s ENC Division 3. This will be a stern test of the level they are at as they come across the Bosnians who were relegated from ENC 2C.

Bosnia Herzegovina began their 2014-15 campaign with a convincing  59-12 win against Bulgaria at home. Their relegation from ENC 2C would have hurt as the team more than held their own against other ENC 2C opponents. I expect they will be too strong and experienced for the Turks.

I can’t find any team lists.

Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina by 15 points

TURKEY v AZERBAIJAN ENC 3

17.11.2012

Venue: Kemer

Briefly
Turkey started this tournament with a 34-6 win over Slovakia. Slovakia defeated Azerbaijan (with a 19 man squad) 25-16 on Wednesday. I’d expect Turkey to win comfortably.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Turkey 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd

IRB Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Turkey by 37 points

SLOVAKIA v TURKEY: European Nations Cup Div.3

Division 3 is the lowest level of competition in European test rugby. The teams involved are not eligible for Rugby World Cup qualifying games. They are Turkey, Slovakia and Azerbaijan.

The newest European nation Turkey will host this tournament in the city of Antalya. Situated on the Mediterranean coast it is regarded as the holiday mecca for Turkey.

Thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antalya

 

Turkish coach Niall Doherty.
Thanks to http://www.facebook.com/TurkishRugbyNationalTeam

11.11.2012
Slovakia v Turkey in Antalya (ENC 3)

Venue:

Referee: F. Gracianette (France)

Preview
Earlier this year Turkey played Slovakia (29.04) in Bratislava and won 31-5. Later on 12 May they defeated Estonia 49-5 in Tallinn. So this is Turkey’s first rugby test on home soil

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Turkey 39th, Slovakia 40th (an last)

IRB Ranking points do not apply as neither Turkey nor Slovakia are full members of the IRB.

Prediction: Turkey should win this easily, by 33 points

TEAMS

Turkey Squad
Ramazan Kılıçkaya

Kubilay Alemdar

Ali Bökeyhan Sürer

Bayram Erdener

Aykut Kanaçlar

Kerim Galal

Feyyaz Yildirim

Ibrahim Demircan

Erkut Levent Durmuş

Muhammed Dayi

Mustafa Kemal Kurt

Zakir Kalabaş

Alper Topal

Görkan Ceylan

Huseyin Şaşmaz

Ferhat Şan

Ramazan Kabak

Semih Aydin

Bahri Gourgandin Dağlı

Mehmet Akif Ersoy

Atilla Demir

Emre Can Erfiliz

Kemel Ege Gürkan

Salim Cavuş

Recep Demir

Melik Şah

Ertuğrul Günday

Ogün Boz

Orçun Öcal Van Persie

Coach: Nial Doherty

Slovakia Squad

Martin Janžo ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Mihálik ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Kučera ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Náter ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Mihalka ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Patrik Grunner ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ľuboš Orlický ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Rabara ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Daniel Puha ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Antoine Valade ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ondrej Štefanšich ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Májovský ( RC Old Reigatians / ENG)

Pavel Kozubík ( RC Havířov CZE)

Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov CZE)

Vlastimil Hodáň (RC Brno Bystrc CZE)

Marcel Mana (RC Olomouc CZE)

Patrik Poledna (RC Olomouc CZE)

Radek Fialka (RC Vyškov CZE)

Ján Pfeifer (RC Praga CZE)

Juraj Frank (RC Praga CZE)

Martin Štefl (RC Praga CZE)

Peter Kalina (RC Praga CZE)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 11-12 May

12.05.2012
Japan 52, Korea 8 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Armenia v Slovenia-Forfeit to Slovenia
Turkey 49, Estonia 5 in Tallinn (Friendly)

11.05.2012
United Arab Emirates 46, Kazakhstan 31 in Dubai (Asia5Nations)

Briefly
Japan scored three tries during the 10 minute sin binning of a Korean player in the second half. This blew out the score against the Koreans. Japan were held 14-0 at halftime as the Koreans, as expected, brought a physicality to the game and shut the Japanese attacks down. This would be a disappointing result for Korea but it does signify that they are back in Asia5Nations to satay.

On Friday UAE had to hold a determined Kazakhstan team in the second half as the visitors stormed back in a last attempt for victory. The Kazakh’s very nearly succeeded. Kazakhstan are now the team in danger of relegation.

In the Baltic nation of Estonia Turkey, without some key players, proved to quick and polished for the local side. This is Turkey’s second win in two test matches, both friendly. They defeated Slovakia 31-5 last month. They look a certainty to start in the 2012-14 European Nations Cup competition.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Turkey v Estonia

12.05.2012
Turkey v Estonia in Tallinn (Friendly)

Venue: Suur-Rannavärav,

Referee:

Preview
These two teams have never met before. This is Turkey’s second rugby test match whilst Estonia have only played two friendly tests against Finland.

This game is crucial in the development of rugby across Europe. Neither team participates in the European Nations Cup. These friendly test matches are a measure of where each nation is in its rugby development. There is so much required and standards to be met by the European governing body.These are in the areas of administration, club rugby, test match hosting facilities and organisation, and junior rugby. All the boxes must be ticked before a team can enter test rugby competition. The recent disqualification of Armenia has sent out a strong message to developing rugby nations.

This will be a difficult match for Turkey to win. They are without three of the France-based professionals, including Kuzucu the captain against Slovakia. The other two were their props! So this is a weaker side than that which played Slovakia. It includes four new caps.

I can’t find anything about the Estonian team.

Turkey Only Result
29.04.2012 v Slovakia W 31-5 in Bratislava

Estonia Past Results
02.10.2010 v Finland L 5-55 in Helsinki
22.05.2010 v Finland L 15-22 in Viismi

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply as Estonia is unranked

Prediction: Difficult to judge. Going on the fact that the visitors are without key players. Turkey by 7 points

Turkey Squad
İbrahim Timbale Akay *
Murat Altun
Salim Çavuş
Tamer James Çelikbaş
Bahri Dağlı
Atilla Demir
Erkut Levent Durmuş
Doğu Eroğlu
Mehmet Akif Ersoy
Kerim Galal
Roman Güllübağ *
Ertuğrul Günday
Abdullah Güneş
Kemal Ege Gürkan
Samet Karaca *
Dinçhan Kilercioğlu
Ramazan Kılıçkaya
Yavuz Kocaer
Selçuk Kozlu
Deniz Krom
Mustafa Kemal Kurt *
Ali Bökehan Sürer
* New caps

Head Coach: Niall Doherty

Estonia Squad not available

RUGBY TEST MATCH RESULT: Turkey v Slovakia

29.04.2012
Turkey 31, Slovakia 5 in Bratislava (Friendly; First test match for Turkey)

Briefly
A great start from a young team. We could well see this team joining the European Nations Cup tournament in the near future.

Some pics, thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4065

 

TEST RUGBY FRIENDLY MATCH: Turkey’s First Test

29.04.2012
Turkey v Slovakia in Bratislava (Friendly)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
It is a grand occasion when a nation first steps into the international test rugby scene. Today Turkey will begin their great adventure. They will play another rugby test match on 12 May against Estonia. Both Estonia and Turkey will be looking to gain full admission to FIRA-AER and begin playing in the European Nations Cup competition.

Rugby has been established in Turkey for some time. They have a healthy 13 team club competition, divided into two divisions.

Slovakia is itself a relative newcomer to the international test rugby scene. Their main local club, RC Slovan Bratislava, competes in the Czech Republic club competition. At present they are doing well in the middle of the top league. A number of the Slovakian squad play for Czech teams in the club competition.

Slovakia played their first rugby test match in 2006 and now competes in European Nations Cup Division 3. That competition has concluded. It took place in Bosnia Herzegovina in October last year where Slovakia lost in the only test (Azerbaijan pulling out) 15-48.

Looking at the makeup of both sides Turkey has been able to call upon a number of players based in France and England. They have lost key lock forward Nejmi Kara but I feel Turkey will just that much more speed and finish than the Slovakians.

Prediction: Turkey by 12 points

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Forwards
Štefl Martin (RC PRAGA CZ) , Klimiashvili Giorgi (RC Slovan), Mihálik Michal (RC Slovan), Grunner Patrik (RC Slovan) , Vereš Ludovít (RC Slovan), Mihalka Martin (RC Slovan), Gregorovic Boris (RC Spartak) , Capkovic Ladislav (RC Spartak), Pfeifer Ján (RC Praga), Rabara Andrej (RC Slovan), Mihálik Martin (RC Slovan), Fric Michal (RC Rental.cz)

Backs
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan), Kucera Michal (RC Slovan), Hybben Branislav (RC Slovan), Loch Patrik (RC Ravens Košice), Fišer Jozef (RC Praga CZ), Janžo Martin (RC Slovan), Kozubík Peter (RC Rental.cz) Fialka Radek (RC Vyškov CZ), Želinský Tomáš (RC Ravens Košice), Kozubík Pavol (RC Rental.cz), Mana Marcel (RC Olomouc CZ)

Turkey

15		Tamer James	Wessex RFC, England
14		Erkut Durmuş	Heidelberger RK, Germany
13		Abdullah Güneş	METU
12		Kerim Galal	SC Germania, Germany
11		Adem Selim	Samsung RK
10		Ali Sürer	TB Rohrbach/Boxberg, Germany
9		Rama Kılıçkaya	Vichy, France
8		Deniz Krom	Kadıköy RK - Istanbul
7		Melik Kuzucu (Capt.)	Orleans, France
6		Ertuğrul Günday	METU
5		Attila Demir	Puy Guillame, France
4		Mehmet Akif Ersoy	Trakya Üniversitesi Ragbi - Edirne
3		Hüseyin Şaşmaz	Oyonnax, France
2		Bahri Dağlı	Goussainville-Gonesse, France
1		Gökhan Ceylan	Pontarlier, France
16		Dinçhan Kilercioğlu	METU
17		Yavuz Kocaer	Samsung RK
18		Doğu Eroğlu	Mutzig, France
19		Kemal Ege Gürkan	METU
20		Selçuk Kozlu	Samsung RK
21		Murat Altun	Mutzig, France
22		Koray Kaya	Samsung RK
		COACH: Niall Doherty