IOC Copenhagen decision hailed by MRFU
Galea eyes inclusion in GSSE
It's the pinnacle of sporting achievement where men and women from all over the world strive to compete for gold.
Following last week's decision by the IOC, the global rugby family are celebrating the news that Rugby Sevens will be included in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
On Friday, the IOC voted overwhelmingly for the inclusion of our sport in the Olympic fold.
"The best players in the world are excited to showcase their talents on the world's greatest sporting stage," Bernard Lapasset, president of the International Rugby Board, was quoted as saying at the end of the vote in Copenhagen.
Commenting on the historic decision, Martin Galea, president of the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) said: "This is a tremendous boost for the game and its players in Malta who are both dedicated to the sport and to bringing the sport to a wider audience.
"An Olympic stage is a fantastic aspiration."
Galea went on to add that as rugby has now been accepted in the Olympic family, it is hoped the sport will be included in the Games of the Small States of Europe, where the local rugby team will realistically compete for medals.
As rugby grows in popularity on our shores, with success also achieved on the international scene, Damian Neill, MRFU coach, said: "Of course, it's an exciting decision, but it's also the right one.
"Rugby is played by millions of men and women all over the world and I'm delighted that the game will now be recognised on the world's largest sporting platform.
"We have a wealth of rugby talent in Malta - men, women and youth teams. The fact that their chosen sport has achieved Olympic recognition is rewarding and inspirational."
Malta's rugby season kicks off with a European Championship match in Croatia on October 31, followed by a return match against Sweden at the Hibs Ground on November 7.