Kythirians everywhere can be proud of the national rugby league team (which also includes our compatriots from Australia and New Zealand), which made its debut appearance in the final round World Cup. We are proud of the international respect shown to the team, as well as of the “Kythera – Aphrodite” brand that our players wore on their uniforms.
Let's first look at participation
Although the team's campaign ended with a crushing defeat at the hands of the host team England, which never let up and prevailed with 94-4 This first appearance in the World Cup finals opens up new horizons for the development of the sport, both in Greece and in our diaspora communities.
The English people They celebrated their impressive (94-4) victory over Greece—their biggest win (by score) ever—but They did not fail to sing the praises of their opponents. «Rugby league was illegal in Greece until five years ago. The country's participation in the World Cup was, in and of itself, a remarkable achievement.», wrote The Guardian, which featured the complimentary remarks made by England coach Shane Wayne, regarding the fighting spirit displayed by the Greek team on Saturday in rainy Sheffield.
Surprise over the indirect promotion of Kythira
As reported in a previous article, The Greek national rugby team competed in the Rugby League World Cup with «Kythira» on their jerseys. The photo we are publishing today shows the jersey of international player Theodoros Nianakas, on the back of which is the name of Aphrodite, the goddess of Kythira, is inscribed. This dual promotion of Kythira's brands was an initiative of Nick Politis, a Kythirian expatriate from Australia, who chose to become major sponsor of the national team us, and in this way to honor his hometown. It is a great honor for Kythira to be showcased in this way at international events. I wish the island had even more athletic activities and accolades. My hope is that, in addition to publicity, the island will achieve many athletic accolades in the coming years.
🇬🇷 The pride of a nation!
From the game being illegal in Greece to the national team winning the hearts of fans around the world.
Thank you, Greece. See you next time.
Thank you#RLWC2021 | @GreekRL pic.twitter.com/lJivSfaQdG
— Rugby League World Cup (@RLWC2026) October 29, 2022
My images of @England_RL vs @GreekRL during Game 18 of @RLWC2021 at Bramall Lane:https://t.co/wMd6DldrtS pic.twitter.com/MEXrLMSqs4
— Charles A Robertson (@CharlesTheTog) November 3, 2022
