The Hellenic Federation of Rugby League has released the fixtures for the inaugural Greek club championship, due to kick off this weekend. Promitheas Rendi, AEK Kokkinias, Pegasus Neos Kosmos, Aris Petroupolis and Rhodes Knights will take part in the competition.
A sixth club, Neapoli, will play fixtures against second XIIIs from Aris and Pegasus in a sign of the growing participant interest in the sport and the HFRL’s effective recruitment strategy. A transport sponsor has been brought on board to support the championship logistics costs, especially the various trips to Rhodes, 650km from Athens.
“Last year we played a three-team 9s championship and a national 9s cup,” said Tasos Pantazidis, president of the HFRL. “There were 15 matches including one 13-a-side game. It was a good test for the clubs involved. With that experience and 100% more players, we can now run a 13-a-side championship. We believe that it is going to be a successful one. Building strong structures with small but stable steps is the only way to succeed,” he added.
In other news, head coach Steve Georgallis and new national team recruit, Braith Anasta along with skipper Michael Korkidas have all arrived in Greece. The Greek side is due to play Hungary in a full Test match on 27th October.
And, since obtaining its official status under Greek law, the HFRL general assembly met on 21st September to elect its board.
