Valletta Lions continue to follow their ambitious path of improvement by landing the victorious Cisk Lager League coach Matt Emmerson as their coach and director rugby for the forthcoming season.

Emmerson ended his first season in Malta as coach for Kavallieri RFC by guiding them to the League title after building the best defence in Malta which remained rock solid against waves of attack. Hardly any sides scored a try against his courageous and superbly marshalled Kavallieri defenders.

He was an English Premier League player who moved on to coaching and has enjoyed success in several countries, including England, Hong Kong and Canada.

It will be interesting to see his effect on Valletta Lions, who have several very promising players who really need some sophisticated instruction in order to fulfill their undoubted promise.

A further problem he will face is that of running stamina as the heavy Valletta players have done well in the first half several times, only to fade away in the second period. This partly arises from the lack of playing surface available for training.

Promising backs and kickers such as Borg, MacLean and Psaila will definitely benefit, and if Pavanello can give enough time he will challenge again for representative honours with strong leadership from Mr Emmerson. Tackling technique and defence and attack positioning and patterns will also surely improve under his guidance.

No doubt Valletta’s ambition will inspire the three dominating clubs to raise their game too, which is good for rugby in Malta.