MRFU clinch new three-year sponsorship deal

GasanMamo Insurance will be a main sponsor for the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) for the next three years. This was announced yesterday by company director Julian J. Mamo.

The MRFU, he said, has attained substantial growth over the past five years. In 2000, there were 60 players and three clubs in the national league. Today, there are nearly 200 players in five clubs besides three women's teams and a drive to upgrade the junior game.

"Such dogged determination merits support and we are here to provide it," Mamo said.

"We believe that our society, particularly youths, derive immense benefit from sports activities. Benefits include health, fitness, motivation and constructive commitment that keep people away from bad habits that have become all too common in modern societies."

MRFU president Kevin Buttigieg was present for the sponsorship announcement. He thanked GasanMamo for their support, pointing out that the agreement allowed his organisation to establish a strategy over a sound time period.

It gave the MRFU the encouragement needed to continue proving itself and help establish an excellent name for Maltese sport on the national and international arena, he said.

"This sponsorship will also serve as a stepping stone for the Malta 'A' team to play better opposition here and abroad," Buttigieg added.

In recognition of the importance of youth development in rugby, GasanMamo and MRFU are undertaking an ambitious plan to introduce the game formally in a number of schools.

Coordinated efforts are being made to raise the MRFU membership to over 600 players over an eight-year period, discover new talent, strengthen existing clubs and perhaps establish new ones.