Heart-warming scenes in Athens following Greek try against France

When Siteni Taukamo scored for Greece against France in their opening game, he made World Cup history by scoring Greece’s first ever points at the international tournament.

Although Greece would go on to the lose the game 34-12, the occasion meant more to the team than the result being the first side to compete in the Rugby League World Cup from their nation.

After the match, the official twitter page of the Greek national side posted a heart-warming video showing the support for the team is strong.

Scenes in Athens when we scored our historic first-ever World Cup try! 🇬🇷 #RLWC2021 pic.twitter.com/a7wsFaAd6b

— Greek Rugby League (@GreekRLF) October 18, 2022

It shows a packed out bar in Athens full of supporters cheering their team on after their first points, despite being all but out of the game.

It also shows how passionate Greek fans are for their team and highlights the market for rugby league in Greece. An amazing turn of events for a sport which was not so long ago illegal in Greece.

It was only in August that the Greek government recognised the sporting body (GRLF) and allowed them to have a smoother preparation for the World Cup.

For the players it marked the end of a difficult few years in which they had to train in secret and host home games in London for fear of being shut down by the police.

The players are also forgoing their payments from the tournament so the money can be invested back into Rugby League in Greece.

All this effort make them the real success story, regardless of the results on the pitch. With games to still come against Samoa and sport powerhouse England, they have a chance to cement their legacy and show the world what Greek rugby league is all about.

After last nights showing they are about hard work and determination to fight for one another on the pitch but can also product moments of magic such as their final try created by former Warrington Wolves player Billy Magoulias. His deft kick over the top allowed Nick Mougios to go on a weaving run on his way to scoring.