Rugby prospect Andre Galea is willing to maintain his steady progress and represent Malta at senior level in the future after helping Falcons win the Division Two title.

As the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) maintains its drive to further promote the game among youths, many young players are opting to take up a new challenge, aiming to one day pull on the national team shirt and represent Malta.

One of these young players is Falcons RFC’s inside-centre Andre Galea, who took up the sport at just 12 years old, something he would like to see others do.

“I was inspired to play after seeing a poster advertising an upcoming national team game,” Galea told Times of Malta.

“I had a few friends playing for the Falcons and opted to join them. The place had a welcoming atmosphere and, six years later, I still train for the club weekly.

“Many of my old friends still play, which is motivating to see as rugby creates a good bond among players, both of your own team and others.”

Galea had joined the Under 17s group at Falcons and in truth never looked back, though he does admit that “it is becoming harder and harder to increase the amount of young rugby players due to the lure of football. Maltese love football and children are brought up watching the sport”.

On paper, rugby looks a tough game but Galea insisted the sport doesn’t heighten the risk of injury.

“Many might not join as they fear injury,” he said.

“The risks are very slim though as, like in any other sport, you must look after yourself… but it is not a dangerous game.”

Galea’s commitment to his team was rewarded this year as they clinched the Division Two title after a shaky start.

“Despite the very tough first part of the season I enjoyed it and I was happy with the overall outcome,” he reflected.

His aims do not stop at club level and a tournament overseas has kept the fire in his belly burning.

Galea has represented Malta at an U-18 tournament in Andorra.

“Playing abroad exposed us to new coaching techniques and new styles of play,” Galea said.

“I felt that I learned a lot and came back as a much stronger and better player.

“It would be brilliant to play abroad on a full-time level as that is always the dream of an aspiring local athlete.”

Marketing drive

Galea hopes to take his game to a national level in the future.

“Playing for the senior team is my aim and I would also love to take up coaching one day in the future in order to help my sport grow locally,” Galea said.

Malta has bags of potential when it comes to rugby and the exploits of our national team show that, despite being a small island, our presence on the pitch is huge.

Galea’s case proves that pro-moting the national team’s games really does work as his story started from a match poster.

The better the marketing from the sport’s stakeholders, the more exposure rugby gets and crucially this should see an increase in people’s engagement.

The national team were an inspiration for a 12-year-old Galea, and six years on he still looks up to them.

“It is very easy to join a rugby nursery and coaching standards are improving significantly,” Galea said.

He would love to see more and more youths take up this demanding sport and urges new players to get involved.

“Just be committed and anything can happen,” Galea said when invited to send out a message to youngsters who are willing to take up rugby.

“Try, try and try harder – rugby is not a sport for quitters and if you do get hurt, you have to pick yourself up and try again.”

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