The Malta national Rugby team is now ranked 12th out of 36 countries in Europe, not counting the Six Nations. This is probably the highest ever ranking achieved by a Maltese team in a major sport.

The national squad features players from all over the world, reflecting the positive cosmopolitan influence of the Maltese race, far in excess of the size of the nation.

Concurrently, the game is flourishing here in Malta, and the Malta A team, picked only from Maltese based players, has just finished a fine season of wins against tough foreign opposition, losing narrowly only once.

The MRFU Council is working hard with National Director of Rugby, Damian Neill, to consolidate the enormous achievements of the last few years, and of course to retain the high ranking achieved.

The basis of the game is being carefully spread, so that the non contact MAL-TAG game for minis is taught in government schools and regular tournaments are held, with nearly 100 coaches certified this year.

More and more junior players are emerging as the minis grow up, and the Under 18’s have just been on a training camp in Greece for the first time. Several British Schools have started to come and play the Malta Juniors and there are constant applications from British Clubs to play in Junior tournaments here.

The Malta women’s squad, although drawn from only about 50 local players, has enjoyed remarkable success in the European Sevens, in only their second year of competition.

Mr Neill’s “Rugby Pathway” emphasises the enjoyment, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship required for rugby players, attributes which are valuable in all lifestyles.

So much progress has been made that more facilities are urgently needed for this sport for which the Maltese youth have a natural affinity. At least three pitches are now needed, with lights and changing rooms. Close co-operation with two football clubs has been established, to mutual benefit.

Rugby has the potential to earn considerable amounts for the Maltese economy through sports tourism if the facilities are found.