Rugby league is returning to Greece as Covid-19 restrictions start to be lifted further, with a six team domestic season set to kick off in November. That will include new club Perama Tigers, founded in the port town 20km from Athens mid-pandemic, which is reporting encouraging increased numbers at training.

Some initial friendly fixtures have been played in readiness for the restart, Attica Rhinos defeating AEK Athens 38-14 and Aris Eagles overcoming Athens City Raiders 40-6 in a double header.

Greek Rugby League president George Stilianos commented: “A minute’s silence was observed before both matches, in memory of former Aris Eagle Manolis Spanoudakis. Understandably, many players had not played a match for so long and were rusty, but it was great to see them back out there along with the newcomers.

“Competition will likely start in November, with a six team format. Our other clubs need some more time to recover and rebuild as the pandemic took its toll. They can join in, or we will help with friendly fixtures for them,  as soon as they are ready. A women's 9s tournament is also being planned for early November, set to feature 3 teams. We are confident we will make up the lost ground very quickly and that in six months from now, things will be looking better than ever as we build to the World Cup.”