While the rest of the world is currently focused on the World Cup, Malta Director of Rugby, Damian Neill, has thrown his players into a big time test at the European Sevens, currently being played in Cyprus.

Under the patronage of FIRA/AER, the European 7s Club Champions Trophy - Sixth Round - is being held in Paphos with the participation of teams from France, Spain, Georgia, Germany, Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Malta and Israel.

Neill has picked a relatively inexperienced side with seven new caps in the ten-man squad, all in line with his long-term development policy.

The squad includes Joss Howland (Overseas), Mario Fountain (Stompers) and Matthew Camilleri (Stompers) along with debutants Matthew Von Brockdorff (Stompers), Dario Schembri (Kavallieri), Beppe Sammut (Alligators), Sean Gregory (Alligators), Neville Borg (Valletta Lions), Jurgen Pavanello (Valletta Lions) and Paul Psaila (Valletta Lions).

"Rugby Sevens will be played at the Olympics so it is important to hone a squad for the future," Neill said.

"Realistically this inexperienced side will find the going tough, but they are all players with potential and will learn a great deal in this reward for their dedication, especially since tackling, speed and position are the most important aspects of the Sevens game."

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