The Ukrainian Rugby league team arrive in Serbia this week on a two match tour. On Friday, 30th September they face Serbia at the Ada Ciganlija 3G stadium in the second game of the Milan Kosanovic Cup, named after the former Yugoslavian-born hooker who starred for Wakefield at Wembley in 1962 when Trinity defeated Wigan.
In the opening match of the Cup, Russia won in the Ukraine 36-4. The final tie sees Serbia play Russia in Belgrade as part of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup European Group Qualifiers in late October. In the second game of their Serbian tour, Ukraine take on Red Star Belgrade on Sunday 2nd October.
Jovan Vujosevic, Rugby League European Federation Central European Regional Director, commented, ‘’This is a great opportunity for two nations to meet and play for the first time. The Serbian team highly respects the Ukrainians knowing of their athletic performance in other sports. Personally I would like to thank the Ukraine Rugby League Federation for the extraordinary effort they have invested in making this long and demanding trip.“
Ukraine player/coach Sergiy Kravchenko noted, ‘’This competition is a highlight of this season for the Ukrainian national team so we are preparing to ensure the result is a good one."