MIKE TURNER

The National ‘A’ Rugby team is playing the HMS Illustrious today at 2.30pm at Marsa. This is the latest test for this side in preparation for the much awaited tour in February 2006.

National coach Damian Neill, together with team manager Neil Galea and assistant coach Steve Busuttil have arranged this match to analyse if the team has improved since their last outing against Italian side CUS Messina ( 57-0 win for the Malta A).

This team consists of players who play with local clubs from the Cisk Lager League. The team’s profile is gaining ground with all local players since it is through this avenue that players can convince the national coach that they are good enough to play for the National side. Indeed there is stiff competition for positions within this team, with several players preparing and working hard to make the tour to Italy.

After this match there will be another ‘Test’ match on 3 December between the Malta ‘A’ and a new side that will be called the Malta ‘B’. This is another new concept in Malta and will help the National ‘A’ management to see those players, who might have the potential for development, in action at a level that is higher than the local league. Players have to realise that they have potential and that with better coaching and training they could step up and enjoy the benefits of playing for a representative side.

After the match all players and spectators will be meeting at Black Bull Pub in Paceville for the third half and to exchange pleasantries as is tradition after each representative match.