Greece qualify for Rugby League World Cup for the first time

James Messenger 10 Nov 2019 10:05 AM

Greece have made history by qualifying for the Rugby League World Cup for the first time in their 17-year history.

Currently ranked 16th in the world, the Greeks thrashed Serbia 82-6 in Belgrade to claim the penultimate spot for the 2021 competition.

They ran in 16 tries to secure victory, with full-back Chaise Robinson bagging a treble. Greek domestic players Aris Darmanis (Aris Eagles) and Nick Bosmos (Rhodes Knights) also crossed for the visitors.

Greece only started trying to qualify for the World Cup six years ago, and they cannot currently play home matches in their own country as the Hellenic Modern Pentathlon Federation don’t officially recognise the Greek Rugby League Association.

The 16th and final spot at the event will be decided on 16 November when the USA and Cook Islands face off in Jacksonville, and the group stage draw will be made later this month.