The Malta Rugby Football Union have announced the squad which has been chosen to go to Limoges, France, to represent Malta in the European Women’s Rugby Sevens Championship.

This is only the second year Malta has competed at international level, and after they did well in Prague 2005 on their debut, they are hopeful that they will achieve some wins against far bigger countries with far more facilities and players.

However they are still only beginners and draw the team from a pool of only 40 players, so the hopes must remain realistic.

The popularity of Women’s Rugby is growing fast in Malta under the guidance of National Coach Damian Neill.

The Squad

Colette Abela, Amanda Cassar, Charlene Vassallo, Charmaine Gauci (captain), Esther Farrugia (vice-captain), Adelaide Sammut, Joanne Fava, Ritienne Bondin, Dorianne Borg, Emma Fenech Soler.

Coach: Carmelo Longo; Team Manager/Official: Audrey Vella; Physio: Steve Cilia

The contingent leaves today and is set to return on Sunday.

On Friday there will be the pool’s games, where Malta will be playing the following games: 11.30am Poland vs Malta;12.42pm Austria vs Malta; 3.34pm Hungary vs Malta; 4.46pm Malta vs Andorra.

The ranking games will take place on Saturday.