Czechia staged two men’s senior internationals for world ranking points over the weekend, winning one against Poland and going down to Ukraine. The opening match against Ukraine was staged at the City of Letohrad Stadium and attracted a healthy crowd approaching 1,000.
Ukraine warmed up for their 2026 Rugby League World Cup European qualifying campaign in France this week with a totally dominant 84-0 win, winger Tigris Polata leading the way with four of their sixteen tries, while veteran Oleksandr Scorbach finished with 28 points from two tries and ten goals.
Ukraine men’s head coach, Dan Beardshaw, commented: “I’m happy with our performance after overcoming some difficult travel and limited time together. The boys deserved the score line due to the work they have put in over the last 18 months. They have bonded together very well, and this is another step forward for the forthcoming fixtures. It was a scoreline that didn’t reflect the efforts from the Czechia players and loud crowd who continued all game long.”
Opposite number, Ladislav Cintler, noted: “It was definitely tough day for us. Ukraine was perfectly prepared and the game was much faster than we are used to. Our guys put their hearts into it and left nothing on the pitch and we are still proud at them, but our opponents played at different level. Congratulations to Ukraine and we wish them good luck at World Cup qualification tournament.”
The following day, with a rotated squad, Ukraine defeated Poland 34-24 at the Stadion Romana Sebrleho, in Lanskroune, second rower Dominik Radil’s try eight minutes from time sealing victory after the hosts had held a ten point lead at the break.
Czechia men’s head coach for the game, Tomáš Adamec, said: “The beginning of the match was under our control, but then we slackened our emphasis on defending and supporting the attack. The Polish players stopped making mistakes and the score of the match was almost even. Given that it was our second game in a single weekend, I have to take my hat off to the whole team, as several players played in both.”
“It was a good game played in the right spirit,” added Poland men’s head coach Dean Reacher. “I’m pleased with some elements of the game but frustrated with others. We can’t pass over possession so cheaply and simply expect to win the game. Defensively we stood up for the contest, but our fitness levels have a major impact in order for players to sustain this.”
CZECHIA 0
Jakub Tichy, Vaclav Vagner, Filip-Daniel Kittl, Marek Tejchman, Oldrich Chrbolka, Daniel Vesely, Jakub Hudrlik, David Belohlavek, Tomas Ricica, Jaroslav Novotny, Martin Hanc, Krystof Pecold, Tomas Adamec
Interchanges: Jan Zamrsky, Vit Studecky, Jakub Czermak, Josef Brynda.
UKRAINE 84
Yevhen Davydov, Tigris Polata, Vitali Puchov, Mykhalio Troian, Danylo Vedler, Oleksandr Scorbach, Daniel Jannissen, Tim Knight, Dymytro Semerenko, Oleksandr Syvokoz, Jonah Ngarona, Yevhenii Trusov, Tom Menchinksy
Interchanges: Volodymr Karpenko, Yaroslav Davydov, Yevhen Checheta, Oleksandr Shcherbyna.
Tries: Ngarona (4, 20), Polata (6, 37,72,74), Vedler (25, 78), Scorbach (35,69), Syvokoz (39,76), Trusov (45, 60), Menchinksy (49, 80)
Goals: Scorbach 10/16
Referee: Misa Vakadranu (Fiji)
Half Time: 0-34
CZECHIA 34
Jakub Hudrlik, David Slivka, Adam Mikulas, Jakub Czermak, Matej Schejbal, Ladislav Cintler, Josef Brynda, Jan Zamrsky, Jakub Skorepa, Kamil Havel, Dominik Radil, Marek Henzl, Vít Studecky
Interchanges: Krystof Henzl, Karel Lafant, Marek Tejchman, Vaclav Vagner.
Tries: Schejbal (5, 55), Brynda (7), Cintler (18), Henzl (34), Radil (72)
Goals: Hudrlik 5/6
POLAND 24
Mateusz Kowalewski, Jakub Cichosz, Kamil Kleszcz, Dominik Medecki, Sergiusz Kalwinek, Lukasz Lucka, Kamil Owoc, Mateusz Dziag, Tomasz Zerbe, Lukasz Kostecki, Mateusz Luczak, Jonathan Tutak, Eryk Wisniewski
Interchanges: Patryk Gabrys, Mateusz Wojtas, Konrad Szymanczak, Michał Karkus-Blada.
Tries: Wisniewski (13), Tutak (39), Medecki (50), Kleszcz (80)
Goals: Kowalewski 4/4
Referee: Misa Vakadranu (Fiji)
Half Time: 24-12
Photos: Miloš Kohoutek
