Lithuania

Lithuania New country this year  

  History

The date of birth of Lithuanian Rugby is is the 28 of May, 1961 when the first rugby official match was held between "Atletas"(Kaunas)and "Mokslas"(Vilnius)

The Champiopnships of Lithuania are being held from 1963. There are two divisions: the Highest where the best 6 clubs play for the Champion title and the First Division with 5-6 clubs.The winner of the First Dvision replaces the last team from the Highest Division each season.

Number of registered players in all age grades is about 2000.Today we have 15 clubs and 38 teams participating in Rugby activities.

Lithuanian Rugby has 5 National Fifteens:U17,U18,U19,U20 and Seniors and two Sevens (men and women). There is a plan to create National Women XV and to hold a  Lithuanian Championship for Women Tens. Current champions of Lithuania are "Vairas"(Siauliai)-Fifteens and Sevens, with "ZSM Marijampole"-women Sevens.

The recent achievements of Lithuanian Rugby:

• A rise in the iRB ranking (from 65 to 43 place) in 2 years 2006-2008
• Grand Slam for 2006-2008 season(8 victories in 8 games in EC, group.3A
• National Sevens(men and women) win a right to play Eurpeoan Finals (the best achievement the 5 place in European Championship 2002).
•  Joining IRB SOS iRB Kit Aid Program, to help with new possibilities for Rugby development in Lithuania, especially in creating  teenagers' Rugby teams in schools.The program for junior Rugby tournaments
  

The Governing body of Lithuanian Rugby Federation is a Conference (General Assembly); the Executive - Executive Committee (EC). The EC is comprised of the  Officers.The President (Chairman), the vice-President and 11 other members

President  - Chairman Aleksandras Makarenka