The Malta National Rugby Team, sponsored by Cisk Lager and Barclay's Bank are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches this Saturday when they take on Hungary in the European Nations Cup, Division 3A. The Malta squad will then travel to Moldova for their final match of season 2003/04 on the 29 May 2004. The match will take place at the Matthew Micallef St John stadium in Marsa and kick-off at 2.00pm.
Malta and Moldova are the two unbeaten sides in this Division and a victory over Hungary at Marsa will set up a decider against Moldova for promotion to Division 2B. The squad selected for these two matches by coach Graham Richards, is very similar to the one that has represented Malta so far this season, although this time the squad will include 22 players. Three players who have been called up for the first time this season are Joe Sultana, Martin Mallia and Kyle Mason.
Sultana, Mallia and Mason have all shown their quality on the rugby field, with Sultana scoring Malta's try against Monaco to the current series of unbeaten matches. Martin Mallia is a very experienced front row player and has been involved with the Malta national team for a long time. Kyle Mason came into the fold only this April when he travelled to play for Malta Under 21s. His impressive performances have earned him a call-up to the first team. Mason will be the second 18 year old in the squad together with Harry Collins who has now become a regular in this team.
Malta comes into this encounter after victories against Serbia & Montenegro and Latvia last month, bringing the unbeaten record to an incredible 9 matches. These victories have helped Malta move up the International Rugby Board's World Rankings to 57th place, up from 82nd place only 3 years ago.
Mr Ivan Filletti, Cisk Lager Brand Executive said, “We urge the Maltese public to continue supporting this winning team; Cisk Lager will once again be refreshing all supporters at the match.”
“The last match played at the Matthew Micallef St John stadium saw a crowd of 1300 spectators. The Malta Rugby Football Union, however, is encouraging all sports enthusiasts to join the players and regular supporters in celebrating another great day of Rugby. Hopefully, this match will be the most attended Rugby match in Maltese history. Apart from boosting the players’ morale, this will also help to further strengthen the Union's finances,” said Mr Steve Busuttil, PRO at the MRFU.