Today a group of Malta’s most aspirational rugby players are in Sicily to pitch their skills against the leaders of the Sicilian rugby youth league.

Youth squads from Falcons Under 13’s and Under 15’s left Malta early this morning to play their second away match against Amatori Catania, a professional club with hopes of playing in the top Italian league.

The Maltese boys train every Wednesday and Friday evening at Marsa and while they were defeated by Amatori in 2009, coach Robert Portelli is looking forward to a better result this weekend. “The teams have worked very hard, and their commitment to success is impressive”, commented the coach.

Fabian Sacco, who plays for the Under 15’s, said, “We all really love the game and obviously want to do well for Malta. I’d love to play for the senior national team one day; that would be my dream,” he added.

The teams are made up of boys from all over Malta and from different schools. In 2006 the Falcons Under 12 rugby team won the first ever full contact match played by Maltese boys and the Under 13 and Under 15’s won their respective League and 7’s Cup.

“The match against Amatori is a great opportunity for development”, said Mr Portelli. “We hope these young players will represent Malta’s senior squad one day, so this experience is essential.”