I refer to Pierre Mangion’s excellent letter concerning the need for improved rugby facilities in Malta to keep abreast of the fast expansion and popularity of the game (TMIS, 27 September).
An internal report by Malta Rugby Football Union calculates that rugby has earned more than e1.6 million in sports tourism for the Maltese economy since 2005.
Each year many foreign clubs are turned away because of the lack of facilities, to the extent that the income for last season could have been doubled.
Twice in the last five years an international tournament for national teams at Hibernians Stadium has been televised by the International Rugby Board channel and broadcast in over 100 countries, which fantastic free publicity for Malta.
Malta was chosen, by an 80 per cent vote, to host the 2010 FIRA/AER annual conference (FIRA/AER is the equivalent of UEFA) which will again be reported around the world and create fabulous publicity free of charge.
On an international stage, rugby is the most successful team game in Malta, with the men hovering around the 50th place out of the 95 ranked world teams, realistically aiming to improve soon by at least 15 places; the women rank an astounding 13th out of 43 in the European Sevens.
All this has been achieved with one single pitch, plus another part-time, to cope with six senior men’s’ teams, four senior women’s teams, and a further 10 or more junior teams.
A further achievement has been to re-unite families and relatives because under International Rugby Board rules, qualification to play for Malta requires a Maltese grandparent – it is a moving experience to see proud grandparents greeting and supporting young Maltese men from Australia and UK, and applications have been received from some nine countries so far. Nevertheless, as local talent improves under the coach’s policies, more and more local boys are making up the team.
I served my time on the MRFU Council as PRO, and have just rejoined as Secretary. As an ex-player in UK, and ex-referee in France, it gives me great pleasure to see the way that the Maltese youth are so well suited to this great game.
Rugby is very happy to live alongside other sports, but deserves fair treatment from politicians in response to its achievements and important social role of generating fitness and fair play and discipline.
May I finish by paying a massive compliment to Joe Cassar, CEO of KMS, who has been a great help and is well respected in the rugby fraternity, for his work and support.
Mike Turner