Following their historic first women’s rugby league international match against Turkey in Edirne last September, Greece is looking for Greek Australian women who are interested in representing their heritage nation.

Plans are underway to form a Greek Women’s side that will play games in Australia and also have the opportunity to go to Greece and help develop, promote, train and play with the local girls in international matches.

Greek Rugby League Director and Men’s Team Manager Terry Liberopoulos believes the timing is right to bring together a group of Greek Australian women’s players that can contribute to the national team.

“The emergence of a number of Greek heritage female players in Australia meant that it was time to push forward with creating an Australian-based Greek Women’s team.

“We will follow the same path as the Men’s, meaning we will get the girls playing here and then having them go overseas to help promote, develop, train and play with the girls in Greece.

“The enthusiasm I have seen from the girls in Greece is incredible and the introduction of some experience from Australia will grow the game in Greece.

“The aim is to play a couple of games in Australia and then get some of those girls to travel to Greece and work together as one.

“A combination of domestic and heritage players will give us a competitive national team that can make a push for the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Cup tournament.”

The same structure has proved successful for the Greek men’s team who have qualified for the 2021 World Cup. Recently Greece announced they would include at least 8 domestic players in the 24 man squad.

Greece started the ball rolling last year when a group of 19 female domestic players undertook an 18 hour bus trip to play Turkey in an international match. While the more experienced Turkey side won the game, it provided momentum for Greek women’s rugby league.

The women’s game has expanded in Greece since the international match with three clubs, (Aris Eagles, Patras Panthers and Athens City Raiders), fielding female teams, while Attica Rhinos is aiming to have a women’s team up and running by the end of the year.

Any females interested in playing, please email terryliberopoulos@hotmail.com with your playing details and contact details.