After Malta's thrilling 25-23 victory over Sweden in the FIRA/AER Nations Cup last weekend, the attention of local rugby enthusiasts turns to domestic matters as the 2009/10 MRFU season kicks off this afternoon at the Marsa Sports Ground.
League and cup winners Stompers face cup finalists Overseas in the Ray Elliot Cup, the traditional curtain-raiser to the season, while the opening matches from the Cisk Lager National League, the women's Ben Bennett 7s Cup and the newly-launched 10s League will also be played today.
Damien Neill, the national coach and director of rugby at MRFU, is eagerly awaiting the start of the new season. He is keen to see more local players earn valuable experience and improve their chances of joining the national team set-up.
"Rugby has grown considerably in Malta in the past four or five years," Neill told The Times. "This year, the number of Malta-based players in the national teams has reached record levels with 10 players from the MRFU league selected for the recent internationals against Croatia and Sweden.
"Their presence in the team is testament to their steady progress and I know other players who have the potential of making the cut. Having a competitive championship is crucial as more players can sharpen their rugby skills and reach the desired level to become important members of the national team."
This season, the MRFU have launched a new competition, the 10s Championship whereby each team will field their reserve players.
"The idea behind this championship is to give all the players the opportunity to play week in week out. I believe it's important that all the players get the chance to show their qualities and this league is a good platform for newcomers to step up their formation," Neill said.
"It's a known fact that, for a rugby player to fully develop, he needs to be involved in the game for at least 10 years.
"During this spell, the player must work to sharpen up his skills and make sure that he has fully learnt the basics of the game. That's why it's so important for us to attract youngsters to our sport.
"A clear example of what I'm saying is Tom Pace Moore who made his full debut for Malta against Croatia earlier this month.
"Although still 19, he has been playing rugby for the past five years. There are more experienced players in his position but Pace Moore has already reached a level of sharpness that it's very difficult for other senior players to attain."
Off the playing field, the MRFU are also looking to improve the coaching set-up and a number of IRB coaching courses will be held over the coming months to improve the knowhow of local trainers.
With regards to the youth sector, the MRFU have adopted a new strategy. They are launching a youth team and the players, aged between 10 and 18, will be monitored by a number of performance coaches.
"The success of this project is crucial to the future of the national team," Neill said.
"In five to six years' time, the number of foreign-based players who can play for the national team will decrease considerably. So it's important that we increase the pool of home-based players."
Given the rapid development of rugby in Malta, the MRFU have stepped up their efforts to have their own facilities and discussions are underway with the government over this matter.
"Having our own rugby ground is a must," Neill said.
"The number of rugby matches played every week has more than doubled in the last few years. I think the authorities should understand the providing facilities to local associations is crucial to encourage more youngsters to practise their favourite sport.
"Malta has a big problem of obesity among children and this can only be fought by giving our youngsters the means to go out and practise their favourite sport on a daily basis."