Malta national rugby union team


The Malta national rugby union team are governed by the Malta Rugby Football Union. Although Malta has yet to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, the island state has made remarkable progression since its first international in 2000.
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.

History

Malta's national team played their first match on 18 November 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 24 March 2018

Coaches

Records of International Matches

Malta's test match record against all nations:
AgainstPlayedWonLostDrawn% Won
211050
1100100
20200
1100100
2200100
1046040
10100
211050
10100
1100100
752071
642067
1100100
20200
211050
40400
100150
30300
321067
10100
431075
321067
Total602930149