MRFU appeals for strong support in qualifier against Croatia

The Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) sounded out a rallying cry the local rugby fans to support the national team during Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Croatia at the Hibs Ground.

The match against the Croatians will be Malta's first commitment in European Group 2 B, which also includes Sweden, Latvia and Holland and is also valid for the 2011 World Cup. In fact, the top-ranked team at the end of the 2008-09 season will progress to the next round of the qualifying phase.

Martin Galea, MRFU president, yesterday told the news conference that there is an air of optimism within the Maltese camp ahead of Saturday's match. He also urged the Maltese fans to turn out in large numbers and push the players towards victory.

"Croatia are familiar opponents as we have already played them three times over the past two years," Galea said.

"They are a very strong team who play great rugby. However, our players are working very hard in training and they seem well-prepared for the match. Last week's training camp at the Ħamrun ground has boosted the players' morale immeasurably. Our appeal goes to the fans to come to the Hibs Ground and encourage our players throughout the match."

Galea also spoke about the difficulties the Union encountered in the last few months.

"Unfortunately, up to a few months ago, we were working on a very tight budget and we were unsure if we could afford to bring our foreign-based players for the match and to fund the team's trips for away assignments ," Galea said.

"Luckily, we've managed to agree a very lucrative sponsorship deal with Gasan Mazda UK which has eased our financial difficulties. We are now in a position to maintain our presence in international competition. A word of thanks also goes to our main sponsors Cisk who have been supporting us for a number of years now."

Malta have already met Croatia on three other occasions. In 2006, Damien Neill's team beat the Croats 26-15 at the Hibs Ground but the latter took revenge in the next two meetings as they won 40-18 and 24-9.

National coach Neill has named a 23-man squad for Saturday's qualifier and the one against Sweden a week later. There are four new players in Neill's list, namely Jarrod Sammut, Donovan Felice, Ashley Spencer and Matthew Jarrett while Christoff Diamantino is making a return after a long absence.

"We know Croatia very well after meeting them several times in the last two years," Neill said.

"The players know what to expect and the most important thing on Saturday is to make sure we are on top of our game. Our squad has seen a lot of changes during the year and the level of the team has improved significantly. Hopefully we can open our campaign with a win."

Also present for yesterday's news conference was Louis Agius from the South End Core supporters' group.

"The South End Core are looking forward to the match against Croatia," Agius said.

"We are planning to create a colourful atmosphere at the match. We appeal to all those who have Maltese sport at heart to come to the Hibs Ground and cheer our national team on. The rugby team have achieved many memorable wins in international competition and I have no doubt that Saturday will be another day to remember for all those who turn up for the match."

Malta squad
I. Borda, K. Mason, A. Galea, A. Bartolo, H. Collins, M. McArdle, D. Psaila, C. Diamantino, C. Cassar, S. Kempster, M. Bonavia, P. Calgaro, G. Kennedy, M. Mirabelli, J. Finlason, M. Jarrett, D. Busuttil, D. Felice, J. Sammut, O. Sacco, A. Spencer, L. Culnane.