Ottomans and Pumas
met in Istanbu

Turks and Cyprians celebrated the 10th Anniversary

It all started 10 years ago, when Ottomans heard that there was finally a "local" team in Cyprus to play against. This was the best news they had heard since 1999!

Ever since the club's inception in 1999, Ottomans only played foreign teams because there was no other rugby team in Turkey to play against, but the dry spell broke with the first Cyprus tour in 2006.

Ottomans and Pumas have been playing each other in and out of competition since 2006 and 30 April 2016 match marked the 10th year anniversary of the Turkish rugby "El Classico", by far the oldest rugby rivalry in Turkish history, but this time, for the first time, in veteran format.

It was great to see old familiar faces on the field, some retired, some still in the game, but out for only one reason  -  Rugby. Both teams fought really hard, as though they were playing that first match back in 2006. A lot of action, at both ends of the field, provided great entertainment, for players and  spectators alike.

As expected, it turned out to be a glorious day for Turkish veteran rugby, and it will be so in the future editions of this event.

back