The club are pleased to announce that New River will host the World Cup Qualifier between Greece and Scotland on Friday 1st November 2019 (19:00 Kick-Off). Greece had been hoping to play their ‘home’ fixture in Athens. However, on-going governance issues prevented this.
We are working on getting the governance issues sorted out in Greece with the Hellenic Federation of Modern Pentathlon but, with time running out, the decision was made to take the game to London,” said GRLA official Terry Liberopoulos. “We’d like to thank Scotland Rugby League for their understanding and patience and I’m sure both nations will do international rugby league proud.”
Greece qualified for this deciding group of matches, which also includes Russia, after beating Norway 56-26 in the final of European Championship C at the New River Stadium last time out.
Greek Rugby League Association president George Stilianos added: “Of course we were hoping to play this match in Greece but since that was not possible, we are very excited to be returning to the New River Stadium. It was a great event when we played there in May and we thank the Skolars’ management for helping us once again. It will be a great match and I urge all rugby league fans in London to turn up and show their support the international game.”
Keith Hogg, chair of Scotland Rugby League noted: “We are really looking forward to what will be a very competitive and very important game. We would have really enjoyed playing the game in Athens but that was not to be. This has been a case of everyone involved working together to find the best solution to a very challenging situation. It has been great to see Greece, Scotland and the European Federation all pulling in the same direction to get the most sensible outcome, together with the support of everyone London Skolars.”
Skolars GM Charlie de Haan commented that ” everyone associated with the club is proud to play host to another World Cup Qualifier. The on-going issues the Greek squad are facing must be incredibly frustrating. However, we are pleased to be able to help and hope to be able deliver another great event”.
