Locally trained referee Steve Busuttil, who officiated at this year's Super Cup final, has been sent by the MRFU on a prestigious course in Rome alongside top flight Italian referees.

The policy of the Malta Rugby Football Union is to build and enhance local experience and technique by locking in to international expertise, and it was very pleasing to receive the invitation to join the elite Italian Rugby Union Federation Referee Course late in August.

It is a further acknowledgement of the Malta RFU's position on the world stage, especially as Busuttil only started training seriously as a referee last year after many years as a player.

Further official training for referees is scheduled in November and March by the Scottish Rugby Union, where two other officials, Don Hewer and Bryan Corlett will be accredited internationally.

Furthermore several Youth Development Officers will be starting a programme of continuous training, to join the mini coaches, Robert Portelli and Esther Farrugia.

Mini Rugby is flourishing under these two.

For information one may contact Don Hewer on Tel 21455443 or 7927 0998, email [email protected]