Iraklis stand-off Panayiotis Loizidis will miss this weekend's championship game against Athens after being called up by Cyprus for next week's Festival of Rugby which will determine whether the island will go up to the European Rugby Federation (FIRA AER) league 3C.

Loizidis, who was on the bench for Cyprus' 39-3 win over Greece in their inaugural outing in March, is likely to appear on the wing although it is not certain that he will be in the starting line-up for the opening game of the tournament against Azerbaijan.

The Festival of Rugby comprises the completion of a round-robin tournament in group 3D, the lowest rung of European rugby.

The other teams taking part are Azerbaijan, Monaco and Slovakia, who Greece beat earlier this year to ensure their promotion to 3C.

"This is a wonderful challenge for us," said Costas Mastoroudes, president of the Cyprus rugby federation.

"Not only has FIRA AER shown their confidence in us to organise such a prestigious competition so soon after joining the European family of rugby in December 2006, but it also allows us to show rugby games at an international level to the people of Cyprus. This will most definitely help our development."

The Cyprus federation has actively sought out players who are based overseas such as Currie stand-off Andrew Binikos who, apart from playing at the top club level in Scotland, also has Currie Cup experience with Natal Sharks in South Africa.

The squad of 30 includes ten new players who will travel from other countries, including Greece, France, England and Scotland to play.

'' Most of the boys coming from abroad have found their own sponsors or paid for their own tickets and expenses to come to Cyprus to represent their country,'' said coach Niall Doherty who also looks after the Greek national team.

'' I applaud their determination and their desire, and this is exactly the attitude of the whole of the squad.''

Even so, Cyprus will still face a tough week as, unlike their opponents who will only play twice, the Moufflons will have to play each of their visitors.

''To be asked to play three tough international games in seven days is hard going for even the strongest nations," said Doherty.

"With the squad of players I have at my disposal, and with the determination of the players, I am very confident we will win. For a small country like Cyprus, this tournament is our World Cup.''

Fixtures:

Sunday October 28

Cyprus v Azerbaijan - Paphiako Stadium, Paphos, 2pm

Wednesday October 31

Azerbaijan v Slovakia - Makarios Stadium Nicosia, 6pm

Cyprus XV v Monaco - Makarios Stadium Nicosia, 8pm

Saturday November 3

Azerbaijan v Monaco - Kiniras Geroskipou, Paphos 11am

Cyprus v Slovakia - Kiniras Geroskipou, Paphos 2pm