THE FIRST TURKISH - IRISH MATCH EVER . . .
Turkish Rugby is preparing to become the part of European great Rugby family - Turkish Rugby Federation will join FIRA/AER this month . . .
The veterans of Istanbul Ottomans RFC were the first club to play versus one rugby team from the United Kingdom.
End of May London Irish ARFC toured Turkey and had played their game versus Ottomans on the grass of Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
Istanbul veterans manager Ozer Onkal wrote to us: "Overall it was a great weekend with 42 London Irish players and supporters. We have really enjoyed playing and socialising with our experienced guests. One Irish "fellow“ was 77 years old - he played for nearly a full half in his pink shorts!
This gentleman is currently the oldest rugby player to play the match in Turkey - his Club was the first ever team from UK to tour our Country.“
Take a look at the photos to get some impressions about this unique rugby event in Turkey . . .