The Malta Rugby League (MRL) have been granted affiliate membership of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) after applying in early November.
The recognition sees the MRL’s membership raised from ‘observer’ to ‘affiliate’ with Malta becoming the smallest RLEF affiliate member instead of Norway.
MRL National Development Manager and national team coach Anthony Micallef said membership would serve as recognition to all those who have supported the cause of developing and promoting Rugby League in Malta.
“The MRL’s application is a credit to our players, administrators, followers and corporate partners,” Micallef said.
“Our organisation isn’t simply made up of players who go out at weekends to play the game they love, but a lot more than that. We have players across the leagues of Malta, Australia, the UK and US.
“I would also like to single out David Axisa who heads our Maltese Heritage Rugby League administration in Australia for working tirelessly in putting together the application.”
RLEF general manager Danny Kazandjian said the MRL bid was top quality.
“The Malta Rugby League put forward an exemplary portfolio and are to be congratulated for the professionalism and thoroughness of the application,” he said.
Malta’s national team is ranked 22nd in the world rankings and 14th out of 27 in Europe.
Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the MRL have entered into a twinning partnership with Gateshead Storm which will commence ahead of the 2014 season.
Both parties are committing to develop the strong links that already exist between RFL North-East and the MRL.
Storm head coach Chris Parker and utility Paul Parkinson are both Malta internationals while ex-Storm head coach Gareth Barron recently signed for Maltese championship club Malta Origin RL.
The venture will offer both parties the opportunity to exchange players.
Parker said: “It’s great that my community club is able to link up with our (Malta) national side. Hopefully, we will be able to help with the work the MRL are doing to develop the game while giving players on both sides a chance to gain more experience in different environments.”
Micallef welcomed the ratifying of a continuation of the link between Malta and the North East.
“There is a special connection with the game in Malta and the North East region of the UK, similar to the one we have with the Western Sydney region in Australia,” he said.
“It is welcome news that beyond the twinning, Gateshead Storm’s playing kit will also display the MRL logo.”