In the first of our new regular features on the world of rugby we travel – well, in a virtual sense anyhow – to every oval-ball loving nation.
No.2 Azerbaijan
World ranking? We do not have one as we are not IRB yet.
Highest ever ranking? -
Lowest ever ranking? -
Last five results?
Monaco 41 - 3 Azerbaijan (friendly)
Slovakia 33 - 18 Azerbaijan
Cyprus 29 - 0 Azerbaijan
No. of adult players? - 200
No. of clubs? - 4 junior clubs, 4 senior clubs, 1 ladies senior club
Year established? - 2004
How did rugby union begin life in Azerbijan?
Rugby Union has first
started in 1930s - died for unknown reasons, then reborn in in late 60s, and
reborn for the second time in late 90s and we carry it on up until now.
Who is your greatest ever player? Hard to say, we have several to choose
from.
Who should we look out for in the future?
Eldar Nasrullayev - scrum half
What's your current goal?
Membership in IRB, get a base for rugby with proper pitch and facilities, trained coaches and refs.
And your future goal?
Spread rugby all over Azerbaijan.
Next opponents?
Will be decided in December at the FIRA meeting in Paris.
Chances?
... hoping for the best, but getting ready for the worst:)
World Cup winners by.... (year)
no comments:)
Five random facts about Ajerbijan?
1. Translated as the "Land of Fire". Has very ancient history and culture.
2. Baku ("City of Winds") - the capital, used to be one of the most
international cities in the former USSR (probably second international after
Moscow)
3. Situated in the Caucases at the Caspian seaside. Borders Russia on the
North, Georgia on the N-W, Armenia - W, Turkey S-W, Iran - South, Caspian Sea
East.
4. One of the fastest growing economies, due to the oil boom.
5. Current population about 8,5 mill.
