Malta’s National Rugby Team will play its 100th international match on Saturday against Germany at the Hibernians Stadium in Paola, with Sports Minister Byron Camilleri promising more investment in the sport.

This important milestone in the history of Maltese rugby will be celebrated in a year of success for the national team, which has secured promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy for the first time.

Details of the match were announced by Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, together with Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) President Gerald Strickland, national team coach Phil Pretorius and captain Joe Greaves, in the presence of the national team players.

Both sides reaffirmed their increasingly strong relationship, with the aim of helping the sport continue to grow through further investment in the national team.

Minister Camilleri praised the work of the MRFU and the dedication of the players, coaches, volunteers and everyone who, over the years, has contributed to the growth of Maltese rugby and its important achievements on the international stage.

“The 100th international match is a milestone that should fill us with pride, while also providing an opportunity to look towards the future of rugby in our country. The national team’s success is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication by a sporting community that has always believed in its potential. Today, we have a team competing at a higher level, and as a Government we will continue to build on these achievements by strengthening our support for the sport and creating more opportunities for children and young people. On Saturday, we want to see the stadium filled with supporters, united behind our national team. This will be an occasion to celebrate what has been achieved, show our support for Maltese players and look forward to a new chapter of further success for Maltese rugby,” Minister Camilleri said.

The Minister reiterated that the Government will continue to support the MRFU in implementing its action plan up to 2031, one of whose priorities is to encourage more children and young people to take up rugby. In this context, he also announced the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening rugby infrastructure at the Marsa Sports Grounds, with further details about these plans expected to be announced in the coming period.

Minister Camilleri also announced that Martin Johnson, former captain of the England national team who led England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, will be in Malta for the occasion. His presence will add an international dimension to this important milestone for Maltese rugby.

Malta Rugby Football Union President Gerald Strickland said that this is an important time for the development of Maltese rugby, as the national team continues to build on the successes achieved this year. “Our dream of reaching the 2031 Rugby World Cup is not just about the matches. It depends on sustained investment in our performance programme, facilities, sports tourism and the governance of our sport,” Strickland stated.

National Rugby Team captain Joe Greaves said that the 100th international match represents an important journey for Maltese rugby and confirms the progress made over recent years. Meanwhile, national team coach Phil Pretorius emphasised the unity and pride of the players who represent Malta.

The national team secured promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy for the first time following victories against Andorra, Cyprus and Israel, as well as a 39–13 win against Austria in the play-off. Malta began this competition with a 36–17 victory over Denmark, after successfully overturning a 17-point deficit, and currently sits in second place in the standings.

The next challenge will be against Germany, which began the competition with a 54–7 victory over Lithuania. Despite the difference in resources between the two countries, the Maltese team will be looking to build on its positive results. During this season, Malta will also face Czechia, Sweden and Lithuania.

Saturday’s match against Germany will be open to the public free of charge, while donations collected will be given to Puttinu Cares. This occasion will therefore combine the celebration of an important sporting milestone with an initiative promoting solidarity.