The Hellenic Rugby League (HRL) have pulled off one of the biggest coups in the game by snatching the eighth and final spot of the University Student World Cup in July.    

Greece had originally put an application to play in the Brisbane tournament but were rejected by the other  nations because they were seen as an Australian-based side.

England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales objected to having Greece as part of the University Student World Cup, stating they needed at least 10 Greek-based players.     

With Rugby League activity being conducted on the island of Rhodes, the HRL informed their Greek counterparts that they will be pulling out of the Student Rugby League because of finance.

"We just couldn't afford to bring 10 players over to Australia and pay for three weeks? accommodation. We need the money to concentrate on getting the game officially registered in Greece," said HRL founder Colin Mylonas.

But when the news was announced to the players and officials in Greece, they decided to take matters into their own hands.

"The players contacted us and said that they wanted to come to Australia and play Rugby League. They will pay their own way to Australia and together with sponsors, the Hellenic Rugby League will pay for their stay in Australia," said Mylonas.        

"The support in Greece has been fantastic and for the players in Greece to unite like this, is overwhelming."

Plenty of work has been going on in Greece with friendly matches being staged in recent months.   The players in Greece will be involved in a number of matches in the next couple of months in readiness for their trip to Australia.        

They will then link up with the other 14 players  in Brisbane just prior to the start of the University World Cup.   

Greece will join Australia, England and Scotland in Pool Two while the other group will feature New Zealand, France, Ireland and Wales.    

Two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The third-placed sides from  each group will play-off for fifth position with the bottom two sides to feature in the play-off for seventh position.

The Greeks will be coached by Chris Moulatsiotis, who was in charge of the Greek Student Development Squad last season.

PRESS RELEASE: Hellenic Rugby League