The “Hellenic federation of Rugby League” expands its activity to Northern Greece, in the Macedonia Region.

They organized a 9’s tournament in Thessaloniki where four teams exhibited the sport to the local sports community.Agios Thomas (from Goudi Athens), Pyrrihios (from Aspropyrgos Attiki), Kavala/Lions (from Macedonia) and Thessaloniki (Macedonia) competed for the “Macedonia 9’s Cup”.

The tournament was a great success as two Macedonian teams participated and many representatives from local sports clubs and authorities were present, supporting the HFRL expansion. Agios Thomas won the Cup as the scored 10 to 6 against Pyrrihios at the final match.

After the tournament, at the same field (Kaftatzoglio Stadium) one more Macedonian newcomer played their first Rugby League match. It was a nines match between Pegasus Neos Kosmos and Philippos Vereea, a historic club of the western Macedonia region.

All people who were involved expressed their enthusiasm about the new team and are very optimistic about the new “Macedonia Group” of the HFRL XIII Championship. Gregory Georgiadis is the head of the new team, member of Philippos Sports Club Board and a big supporter of HFRL.

Additionally, more big sports clubs of Thessaloniki, after the tournament took place, applied to the Federation for coaches in order to start more teams in the city.

Kostas Tzevelekos (HFRL President) wished the best for the new teams and promised that the HFRL will support and focus to strengthening our great sport.

Matthew Ashill, the federal coach, wished to all new players to be able soon to join the national team. "We need to thank the founder of the Hellenic Rugby League, Tasos Pantazidis, who is still trying to help the domestic sport grow, by contacting more and more people and clubs. The future seems to be bright" he added.