As part of their aim to develop and enhance the standard of rugby on the island, the Cyprus Rugby Federation has appointed Ruaridh Pye as Head Coach of the National Sevens Team.

The Moufflons, Cyprus’ senior rugby side, has set the bar extremely high with their incredible exploits in the European divisions. Breaking the world record for consecutive wins as well as achieving back-to-back promotions has put the nation on the rugby world map. However, the CRF wants to develop the sport broadly and evenly from grassroots right up to the top. In this way, there will not be a large gap between the various levels of its rugby teams and players coming through will not find the step up to the senior side too much of a challenge. As was the decision to enter a team in the U20 European Championships this summer, the appointment of a top class Sevens coach will further contribute to the professionalisation of the sport in Cyprus.

Having represented Edinburgh at all age groups and been part of the Scotland U19s and U21s squads, Pye’s playing career ended early following an injury and he immediately took to coaching. With a wealth of experience under his belt, he has extensive working knowledge of the Sevens Circuit at elite, invitational and international level. Pye is currently working with a number of teams on the circuit and continuing his own personal development alongside the wider Scotland Sevens Team who play on the IRB circuit, he is currently a development officer with the City of Edinburgh Council in Partnership with the Scottish Rugby Union.

Speaking to the Cyprus Rugby Federation’s official website, Pye said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Cyprus 7’s Head Coach. I am really looking forward to the new venture. I am under no illusions, it will be a challenge but one I am excited to be involved in and hope the players will be too. Over the next few weeks I will be getting to terms with the current programme and player base, where we are now as a nation and where we aspire to be. There is no better time to be involved in the game, with 7’s featuring in the Commonwealth Games in Scotland later this year and the Olympics in Rio 2016 the incentives are out there!”

Cyprus will compete in the FIRA AER Division A European Championship Sevens in Ukraine on May 31 and June 1, 2014 and Lithuania on June 14-15, 2014.

Cyprus Mail