Malta national rugby union team
The Malta national rugby union team are governed by the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU). Although Malta has yet to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, the island state has made remarkable progression since its first international in 2000.
| Union | Malta Rugby Football Union | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Il-imtaten (The Rams) | |
| Emblem(s) | The Ram | |
| Coach(es) | Damian Neill | |
| Captain(s) | Dominic Busuttil | |
| ||
| First international | ||
  (2000-11-18) | ||
| Largest win | ||
 (2018-03-24) | ||
| Largest defeat | ||
(2000-11-18) | ||
It is currently competing in the Rugby Europe Conference, after topping the Conference 1 - South for the past two seasons – 2017 and 2018 – yet failing to win the play-off to rise to the higher level. The national side is ranked 39th in the world (as of 12 October 2019).
History
Malta's national team played their first match on November 18, 2000, against Moldova in Chişinău, which Moldova won 58–8. They played a subsequent match against Belgium that same year in Marsa, which Belgium won 26–0. Malta played four matches in 2001, and they recorded their first win in the fourth of them, against Monaco in Marsa. This was followed by a draw 10–10 with Norway, defeating Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro, Latvia and Hungary. They then played Moldova in 2004.
Malta then proceeded to enter the 2007 Rugby World Cup European qualification tournament where they were grouped in Pool D of the second round. After finishing third in their pool with two wins from four pool games, Malta entered a play-off along with Denmark, Andorra and Sweden to enter round three. Malta were successful and entered Pool B of round three.
The team is currently ranked 39th in the World Rugby world rankings, their highest ever position. They are coached by Welshman Damian Neill, a former Number 8 in the Welsh Premiership with Aberavon RFC and Maesteg RFC.
Current squad
Note: Squad as at March 24, 2018[1]
Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.
Coaches
Records of International MatchesMalta's test match record against all nations:[2]
See alsoReferences
External links
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