National team ranks high in Europe

At the recent International Rugby Federation (FIRA) annual general meeting in Italy, the Malta Rugby Football Union was pleased to learn that the national team is now ranked as high as 12th in Europe not considering the Six Nations sides.

If the top six are included, Malta's rank would be 18th out of 42.

The remarkable placing was achieved after only six years since the official FIRA recognition. Other nations may ask how did little Malta achieve this and whether any other Maltese team has ever risen so high in the rankings in a major sport?

Surely, Maltese rugby can improve even further with better facilities than the one worn-out pitch at Marsa, as young enthusiasts continue to take up TAG Rugby lessons, the first step to the game.

Considering that the high ranking was achieved with only 150 local players plus some 50 foreign-based Maltese, the potential for success is enormous if only sufficient support and facilities are obtained.

Just occasionally, FIRA award a special medal for really outstanding achievements in developing the game.

This year the recipient was Kevin Buttigieg, the MRFU president.

Buttigieg insisted he was the representative of all players and council members, particularly the members of the national team.

"Honour and praise is also due to the national, club, youth and junior coaches who have worked so hard for the Maltese rugby to flourish," he said.

He mentioned national coaches Len Ethell, Nigel Bennett and Graham Richards, who laid the foundations, and current National Director of Rugby Damian Neill.

"Standards have improved so dramatically with Neill in charge. His 'Rugby Pathway' is the basis of all policies," Buttigieg added while thanking past MRFU presidents David Gasan and Adrian Wirth for their contributions.

Perhaps, the high ranking in Europe and medal of recognition is also an accolade to the organisation's sponsors who have backed the game so solidly.

The Farsons Group, Air Malta, Gasan Mamo Insurance, Barclays and Vodafone have been pillars of strength.