Rugby

Team Sports, Rugby

Rugby in North Cyprus

Although rugby is a niche sport in North Cyprus, it has a passionate following among expatriates, military personnel, and visiting players. While football dominates the sporting landscape, rugby enthusiasts can still find opportunities to play, train, watch international matches, and connect with the wider rugby community across Cyprus. For visitors and residents looking for something different, rugby offers a welcoming social environment built around teamwork, fitness, and community spirit.

Unlike football, basketball, or volleyball, North Cyprus does not currently operate a large domestic rugby league or a professional rugby club structure. Instead, rugby activity generally falls into four categories:

Friendly social rugby
Touch rugby sessions
Training with expatriate groups
Travelling to fixtures in the south of Cyprus

Many players living in North Cyprus regularly cross the island to compete in organised leagues or international fixtures where permitted.

Is Rugby Popular?

Rugby remains a developing sport throughout Cyprus.

The Cyprus Rugby Federation has worked for many years to grow participation through clubs, schools and international competition, helping raise the sport's profile across the island. Cyprus even achieved a world-record winning streak in men's international rugby between 2008 and 2014, highlighting the rapid development of the game despite its relatively small player base.

In North Cyprus, rugby is still very much a minority sport, but interest continues to slowly increase among:

British expatriates
South Africans
Australians
New Zealanders
Irish residents
University students
Fitness enthusiasts

Can Visitors Play Rugby?

Yes. Visitors with previous rugby experience can often find informal training sessions or be introduced to local rugby contacts. Depending on the time of year there may be:

Friendly training evenings
Touch rugby
Beach rugby
Social matches
Veterans rugby

If you're staying for an extended period it's worth contacting local expatriate sports groups or rugby communities before travelling.

Touch Rugby

Touch rugby has become increasingly popular because it is suitable for:

All ages
Mixed genders
Beginners
Families
Older players

No tackling is involved, making it an excellent introduction for newcomers.

Sessions are usually relaxed and highly social.

Beach Rugby

Thanks to North Cyprus' warm Mediterranean climate, beach rugby is an enjoyable alternative during the summer months.

Games are:

Fast paced
Non-stop
Played barefoot
Ideal for spectators

Beach rugby is occasionally organised during community sports festivals and charity events.

Rugby Training

Players can expect training sessions to include:

Fitness
Agility drills
Passing
Tackling technique
Lineouts
Scrums
Match play

Training is suitable for:

Complete beginners
Former players returning to rugby
Experienced competitive players

Rugby for Children

Although opportunities remain limited compared with football or martial arts, junior rugby is gradually expanding across Cyprus. Families interested in youth rugby should enquire with local sports clubs and expatriate communities, as occasional coaching sessions and youth development programmes are organised.

Women's Rugby

Women's rugby continues to grow throughout Cyprus, with the national programme expanding in recent years and increased opportunities for female players. Women living in North Cyprus who wish to play competitively generally connect with clubs elsewhere on the island.

Rugby Union or Rugby League?

Almost all organised rugby connected with Cyprus is Rugby Union.

If you're searching for:

Rugby League
Wheelchair Rugby
Rugby Sevens

it's advisable to check current club schedules, as opportunities vary throughout the year.

Rugby Sevens

Rugby Sevens has become increasingly important across Cyprus.

The shorter format offers:

Faster games
Tournament weekends
Olympic discipline
Excellent spectator entertainment

Cyprus regularly competes in Rugby Europe Sevens competitions, with the men's team recently securing a bronze medal at Rugby Europe Conference 1.

Fitness Benefits

Rugby develops:

Strength
Speed
Endurance
Agility
Coordination
Mental resilience
Leadership
Teamwork

It is widely regarded as one of the best all-round sports for physical fitness.

Rugby Culture

One of rugby's greatest attractions is its culture.

Players often speak of:

Respect for opponents
Strong friendships
Community spirit
Sportsmanship
Inclusive atmosphere

Many social events continue after matches, making rugby one of the easiest sports for newcomers to make friends.

Watching Rugby in North Cyprus

International rugby is widely available through sports bars that show major television events.

You can usually watch:

Six Nations
Rugby Championship
Autumn Internationals
British & Irish Lions Tours
Rugby World Cup
European Champions Cup
Premiership Rugby

Many bars with satellite sports packages will show major matches on request, particularly outside busy football schedules.

Best Time to Play

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, outdoor rugby is possible for much of the year.

The most comfortable playing conditions are:

October
November
December
January
February
March
April

Summer temperatures often exceed 35°C, so training usually moves to the evening.

Equipment

Beginners need very little equipment:

Rugby boots
Shorts
Training shirt
Gum shield
Water bottle

Most clubs can advise on additional protective equipment if required.

Is Rugby Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely.

Many players start rugby as adults.

Local sessions often welcome newcomers regardless of experience, and coaches focus on teaching the basics before introducing contact elements.

Touch rugby provides an ideal stepping stone into the sport.

Why Play Rugby in North Cyprus?

Choosing rugby in North Cyprus offers more than exercise.

It provides opportunities to:

Meet people from around the world
Stay fit year-round
Learn new skills
Enjoy competitive sport
Become part of a welcoming community
Experience the unique camaraderie that rugby is famous for

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a professional rugby club in North Cyprus?

No. Rugby remains an amateur sport with informal groups and connections to organised clubs elsewhere on the island.

Can tourists join training?

Often yes. Visitors should contact local rugby communities in advance to confirm training times.

Is rugby played all year?

Yes, although summer sessions are usually held in the evenings due to the heat.

Is rugby suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many sessions welcome complete beginners, and touch rugby is an excellent introduction.

Are there rugby competitions?

Competitive rugby in Cyprus is organised through the Cyprus Rugby Federation, with domestic leagues, cup competitions and national representative teams.