Date held: Saturday 29 April 2023
Venue: Altrincham Kersall Rugby Club
In less than two weeks’ time Cyprus Rugby takes on Bulgaria at home in a Rugby Europe Conference 1 South fixture, so in the lead up to the game a training session was organised for the squad to get in some additional time together.
This session also had another purpose and that was to invite UK-based rugby players who are eligible to play for Cyprus and had put themselves forward in response to a social media campaign that was put together a couple of months ago.
A squad of 22 players which included 9 new prospects gathered around 1pm together with the Assistant Coach, Team Manager and Physio. After some introductions and an overview of Cyprus Rugby it was on to the pitch for some hard work.
The session consisted of general fitness testing and ball skills which then led on to the backs and forwards splitting off into two groups to work on specific skills and moves associated with their roles within the team environment.
The session concluded with a team of 15 practicing game play v the remainder with swaps being made in and out of the 15 as the drill progressed.
The day concluded with feedback and a debrief to those involved. The whole day was considered a success and all the new prospective players acquitted themselves well, so much so that they will be monitored in the near future and invited to the next session, which is planned for pre next season, although a date has yet to be fixed.
By Dave Lee - Cyprus Rugby Team Manager
