Kavallieri gather to remember lost friend

Kavallieri RFC and the whole rugby fraternity in Malta are going through a very sad moment following the news that their friend and fellow player, Robert Attard, has perished following a motoring accident.

At the tender age of 18, Robert was a promising youth player who was gradually gaining ground into the senior squad. Knowing that the medical condition of Robert was desperate, the majority of Kavallieri players paid a visit to the blood centre late Wednesday to donate blood.

Later that same evening, they met at the Kavallieri clubhouse to unite spiritually in their prayers for Robert and his family.

Among those who wanted to share his memories and thoughts of Attard was Kavallieri RFC president Brian Miller.

“We still cannot understand. I saw him grow through his teenage journey which stopped just a while ago,” he said.

“Kavallieri is a family, our second family, and the demise of one of our younger members is a big loss.”

Coach Matt Emmerson was equally sombre as he reminisced on Attard’s fledgling career in rugby.

“I will remember Robert as a courageous, young player who was always looking to improve his game,” he said.

“Ultimately, we trusted Robert to make the right decisions under pressure, that is why he made his debut for the first team at a relatively young age of 18 years in the pivotal position of fly half.

“But we always tried to ‘keep his feet on the ground’ to try and protect him, as like any real young talent, he was vulnerable.”

Attard was a Higher Secondary student. Lecturer Steve Jones said Robert was an affable person.

“Robert was an energetic young man, always wearing a smile. He was always amusing those around him and ready to accept a joke played on him,” Jones said.

Meanwhile, as result of the tragic loss, there has been a delay in confirming tomorrow’s championship fixtures.

The MRFU will be deciding on its activities at Marsa today.