Malta vs Croatia : another big test

The Malta National Rugby team, supported by their major sponsor, Cisk Lager, faces yet another massive test against high ranking Croatia on Saturday 15th April 2006 at the Hibs Stadium, Kordin. This match promises another sporting and entertainment spectacle created by the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) for the many patriotic rugby supporters.

The match is another step in the Qualifiers for the 2007 World Cup, but it has added importance, because rankings in the next European Cup will also depend on these results. Malta can win promotion to Pool One A if the team beats Croatia and Belgium this month.

“As Cisk Lager celebrates its Silver Medal award recently received at the Guildhall in London, we are proud to be able to say that this sponsorship has been the foundation of the enormous achievements of the Maltese rugby community since the millennium. We consider the Cisk Lager logo on our shirt a badge of honour,” said Kevin Buttigieg, President of MRFU. “There is no other Maltese team who has managed to make an outstanding impact on the international scene as our National Rugby team in such a short span of time.”

“This year, Gatorade has also come on board as Official Sports Drink of the National Team and the Youth Development Programme,” concluded Mr Buttigieg.

Damien Neill has instilled firm coaching policies that the standard of rugby in Malta has improved enormously during the past season. As a result of his superb work, many Maltese players from abroad have applied to play for Malta. The local players’ efforts and determination, however, have managed to make more and more effect on his selections.

The Malta National Rugby Team wearing Cisk branded kit in all international matches and at the Hibs Stadium, has been featured twice on “Total Rugby”, the International Rugby Board programme, which is broadcast in over 100 countries.

The Malta A team, picked entirely from Cisk Lager League players, have played very successfully in Italy and at home against foreign sides and will take part in their first friendly international against Cyprus next month.

“Crowd support will yet again make a big difference, and the Malta team appreciates the marvelous patriotic backing they have had over recent years,” said Mike Turner, PRO for MRFU.

Events prior the match start at 12.45pm at the Hibs Stadium.

The National Rugby squad is made up of:

1. Lee Culane
2. Joe Sultana
3. Ollie Sacco
4. Reuben Vella
5. Paul Marzella
6. Malcolm Attard
7. Jamie Caruana
8. Dominic Busuttil
9. Patrick Satariano
10. Rohan Spiteri
11. John Dimmond
12. Matthew Mirabelli
13. Dominic St George
14. Guy Kennedy
15. Steve Kempster
16. Steve Haycock
17. Robert Bonavia
18. David Gasan
19. Luke Watts
20. Eddie Zarb
21. Dean Zammit
22. Tom Webb
23. Ian Borda
24. Kyle Mason
25. Harry Collins