'GREECE ARE THE STANDARD': NORWAY SET FOR ATHENS TEST

Greece will host Norway in a men’s senior international match for world ranking points on Saturday 25 May, at the Agios Dimitrios Municipal Stadium in Athens (kick off 5pm local time).

The clash will mark the end of the Greek 2023-24 domestic season and will be the second international in the capital in as many weekends after Greece’s women take on Serbia as part of their European Rugby League World Cup qualifying campaign at the same venue. 

The men’s match is reverse of Greece’s trip to Sandnes last November which saw them beat their hosts 36-6.

Greek Rugby League Federation general manager George Stilianos said: “After playing a tough match against Norway last year, we are very excited to be hosting them in Athens.

"We will have an all-domestic squad with the exception of Avignon forward Robert Tuliatu, who will come in and assume the role of captain-coach. We are excited to be playing twice at Agios Dimitrios Stadium and are hopeful that a big crowd will turn up to support the team.”

Norway head coach Liam Steed is likely to have two potential debutants in his squad.

“This provides us with a great opportunity to see the work being done and hopefully the improvements we are striving for," Steed said.

"Greece has proved to be the standard to which teams at this level are judged, they proved what a dominant and imposing side they are in our previous fixture.”

Steed added: “Games are the be-all and end-all for us. All the training in the world will not provide such an experience and opportunity to learn. We have seen real progression but that can only continue with a run of fixtures.”

As part of an initiative to improve access to international opportunities, the French Rugby League Federation are supporting the game with the appointment of Stephane Vincent as referee.