Cyprus v Bosnia is the most important match in our very short history.
After a 2 year long league season where we have remained unbeaten in our previous 6 games, that has seen us inflict record defeats on Azerbaijan, Monaco and Slovakia, and come away from Bosnia with a victory that was more convincing than the scoreline suggested, we find ourselves top our league, with our destiny in our own hands.
To put the importance of this match into perspective, quite literally, the winner of this game will get promotion to Division 3C of the European Nations Cup, and defeat will condemn the losers to a further 2 years in the bottom tier of European Rugby.
We welcome the players and officials of the Bosnia Herzegovina Rugby Union to Cyprus, and the fact that they will come here with such a large delegation, reflects what this match means to them.
The importance of this match has not gone un-noticed within the European Rugby fraternity, so much so, that the IRB's Total Rugby TV has come to Cyprus to do a feature around this match, where it is winner takes all.
Can I take this opportunity to thank all those many volunteers who have contributed towards the organization of this match.
To you our true supporters, I thank you yet again for supporting your team in such big numbers. I sincerely wish that this Saturday you will again express your vocal support which means a great deal to the players.
Finally, to the coaches, medical staff, management team and most of all our players, can I express how proud you have made us with your high level of play, your convincing results and the professional approach you take to every game. Your dedication and patriotism has won us all over. It is you who have put Cyprus Rugby on the European map.
Loukis Pattihis
President
Cyprus Rugby Federation
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