Delegates discuss long-term strategic plan in AGM

Various issues and aspects of the game were discussed by the Malta Rugby Football Union delegates when the annual general meeting was held recently at the Le Meridien, Phoenicia Hotel.

Amendments to the statute were approved as the meeting discussed facilities, finances and future plans for the national team.

In a statement, the MRFU said it has put forward and discussed a long-term strategic plan to achieve its goal and is working hard to deliver concrete results.

At Marsa, where most of the domestic league and cup matches are played, work is underway to upgrade the pitch which was damaged a few years back after flooding.

The project is taking place in conjunction with the Kunsill Malta ghall-Isport and member clubs who are looking at different options to conduct their pre-season training.

The MRFU said last year there were 6,000 children who played Tag-Rugby in schools. Attempts will be made to organise mid-week Rugby Sevens and Tens. A school league is also in the offing.

Next season, a Rugby Academy will be set up for promising talents as the national team selectors are planning to have a representative side consisting of a majority of locally-based players by 2012.

The Academy is to give each and every player one-on-one specialised attention in all areas of the game.

Some of the 2006/07 highlights were mentioned during the AGM among which the women's national team's second place in the European Championships. The side is on the verge of qualifying for the Sevens World Cup.

The men's national team also chalked up one victory on the international scene against Andorra as the first live transmissions of Malta's last two internationals were negotiated successfully.

There was an all-round improvement in organisation and refereeing and a record crowd for competitions, most notably the MRFU Cup final at Marsa.

During the meeting no elections for the top posts in the MRFU were needed after a vote of confidence in the present administration.

Juan Borg Manduca retains his post as president, Neil Galea general secretary and Paul Debono treasurer. David Smith is vice-president. The Director of Rugby and national team coach remains Damian Neill.

Meanwhile, the MRFU Council took the opportunity to show its appreciation to Charles Borg who stepped down as Services Officer. He will be replaced by Steven Busuttil.