Kavallieri RFC to continue pre-season in Spain

Kavallieri Rugby Football Club's senior male team will be travelling to Spain this week to continue their pre-season preparations.

During their stay in Barcelona, the Maltese side will be playing two friendly matches against two local teams, Quimics ER and Reus Deportiu ER.

Kavallieri began their pre-season training last month following a rigorous programme designed by their new player/coach Keith Hopkins.

Hopkins, who is married to a Maltese citizen, is a former captain of Tonmawr Rugby Football Club and also played National League Level 1 in Wales. He will also be assisting with the development of youth rugby within the island as he holds a Level 2 certificate in coaching rugby union.

Another addition to the coaching staff of Kavallieri is Larry Grech, an ex-British Army member who has played rugby in his youth and military service.

Grech will be part of the coaching team along with Hopkins, Richard Beerman, Pierre Azzopardi, Michael Bonavia and Rodrick Attard. This year's coaching staff will be responsible for both seniors and ladies' teams and also the youth section.

One of the aims of this training camp is team building which is vital in the game of rugby. The team will also have the opportunity to confront new opposition which will definitely be of benefit in its preparation for the upcoming local league.

This training camp also marks the 13th anniversary of the club. While in Spain, the team will be hosted by Roca, the club's new sponsor.

Kavallieri RFC will be donning their new Errea rugby shirts which bear the logos of the sponsors - Blue Label Smooth and Creamy, ROCA Air-conditioning, Zmerc Pub and Rookies Sports Bar.