Malta Rugby League (MRL)

It-tim nazzjonali tal-Malta Rugby League b’logħba ta’ ħbiberija kontra l-Italja

See more: https://tvmnews.mt/sport/it-tim-nazzjonali-tal-malta-rugby-league-bloghba-ta-hbiberija-kontra-l-italja/

It-tim nazzjonali tal-Malta Rugby League b'logħba ta' ħbiberija kontra l-Italja - TVMnews.mt It-tim nazzjonali Malti tar-Rugby League se jilgħab partita internazzjonali ta' ħbiberija kontra l-Italja fit-28 ta' Settembru f'Bagnaria Arsa, li jinsab mitt kilometru 'l bogħod minn Venezja.

Malta to face Italy away next month, and at home in 2025

The two top-15 international ranked nations will meet in Europe for the first time.

See more: https://www.maltasport.com/ #/en/a/24133-malta-to-face-italy-in-bagnaria-arsa

ITALY TO HOST MALTA FOR MEDIEVAL SHIELD

Italy and Malta will meet in a rugby league international friendly next month in Italy, 100km outside of Venice near Udine, in Bagnaria Arsa.

Malta were originally scheduled to play away to the Netherlands in early October, however a lack of player availability in Malta left the MRL with no option but to withdraw from the fixture at Nieuwegein.

The FIRL - Federazione Italiana Rugby League and the Malta Rugby League (MRL) have agreed to the fixture on September 28 as part of a home and away series over 2024 and 2025.

Italy have appeared at the last three Rugby League World Cup’s and both teams are ranked inside the top 15 of the international rugby league world rankings.

The hosts head into the match on the back of two wins from their last three outings, including a 38-12 win over Malta in Sydney last October, but this September's Medieval Shield clash will be the first meeting between the two nations in Europe.

Paolo Iollo, FIRL Vice President, said "We are very happy to restart at an international level. In particular, the match against Malta will be a great opportunity to establish a relationship with a nearby Federation and with which we hope we can plan common goals and an overall partnership".

Salvatore Pezzano, FIRL Manager of National Teams, added "We wanted to restart, and thanks to Malta's availability, we were able to do it swiftly and professionally. For us, it will be an opportunity to restart and return to play with the many guys who love rugby league and have made themselves available for this restart".

The match will feature as the first in charge for new Italy head coach Gioele Celerino, but equally, the Maltese are excited about the clash between the neighbouring Mediterranean nations, Malta Head Coach Philip Humphrey commenting "To be able to play Italy is an exciting prospect and will be a fantastic experience for everybody in our organisation. We’re really looking forward to the experience and hope for an entertaining match in Udine".

Jean-Pierre Zarb, MRL President added, "Playing against Italy in Europe is a big moment for us. They have a strong reputation, numerous World Cup appearances, but now is an opportunity for our squad to step up and show what Malta can do against our Mediterranean neighbours on the Italian’s own soil. We’re here to make our mark and we’’ give it everything for our country."

Zarb also thanked the Netherlands for their understanding in the MRL’s withdrawal from the October 5 clash against the Dutch.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the NRLB for their patience when the MRL were forced to withdraw from fulfilling the fixture, and we look forward to agreeing on a new fixture date for 2025".

MEDIEVAL SHIELD 2024 - ITALY v MALTA
Saturday 28 September 2024
Kick-Off: 3pm
At A.S.D. JUVENILIA, Bagnaria Arsa, Italy

Double Century 🫡 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣

halfback scoring tries for fun.

Well done Jaz 🙌

🔢 | Jarrod Sammut brought up 200 career tries with his spectacular solo effort on Sunday!

👏 | Some achievement, congratulations Jaz!

U20/21, MENS TRIALS TOMORROW | 12th AUGUST 2024

Venue: Ched Towns Reserve
Address: 1 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745.
Time: 6.15pm

Maltese Heritage Rugby League are participating in the following fixtures and are calling out for players for all age groups.

· 29th September vs Lebanese - Ringrose Park (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 12th October vs FIRLA - Sydney Venue TBC (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys, Men, Women).

· 19th, 20th October vs Harmony Nines - Croome Road Sporting Complex (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 26th October vs Philippines - New Era Stadium Cabramatta (U17 girls, U17, U19, U21 boys, Men, Women).

· 9th November vs Syria - Sydney Venue TBC (U16, U18, U20 boys).

For more information, please call Simon on 0444 576 404 (male) or Alysha on 0439 006 418 (female).

PATHWAYS TRIALS TOMORROW | 5TH AUGUST 2024

HERITAGE U16s/U18s

Venue: Ched Towns Reserve
Address: 1 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745.
Time: 6pm

Maltese Heritage Rugby League are participating in the following fixtures and are calling out for players for all age groups.

· 29th September vs Lebanese - Ringrose Park (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys TBC).

· 12th October vs FIRLA - Sydney Venue TBC (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 19th, 20th October vs Harmony Nines - Croome Road Sporting Complex (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 26th October vs Philippines - New Era Stadium Cabramatta (U17 girls, U17, U19, U21 boys).

· 9th November vs Syria - Sydney Venue TBC (U16, U18, U20 boys).

For more information, please call Simon on 0444 576 404 (boys) or Alysha on 0439 006 418 (girls).

SIGNED | Hot on the heals of his success with the NSWCCC U18’s Team, International has signed a 2 year deal with the 🔴⚪️🐲.

Congratulations Lucas!

HERITAGE U16s/U18s PATHWAYS TRIALS | 5TH AUGUST 2024

Venue: Ched Towns Reserve
Address: 1 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745.
Time: 6pm

Maltese Heritage Rugby League are participating in the following fixtures and are calling out for players for all age groups.

· 29th September vs Lebanese - Ringrose Park (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys TBC).

· 12th October vs FIRLA - Sydney Venue TBC (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 19th, 20th October vs Harmony Nines - Croome Road Sporting Complex (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).

· 26th October vs Philippines - New Era Stadium Cabramatta (U17 girls, U17, U19, U21 boys).

· 9th November vs Syria - Sydney Venue TBC (U16, U18, U20 boys).

For more information, please call Simon on 0444 576 404 (boys) or Alysha on 0439 006 418 (girls).

JUNIOR HERITAGE PATHWAYS MERCH

*Online store open till Wednesday 7th, August*

With our upcoming Heritage Rugby League matches in October in NSW, Australia, show your colours at our next junior pathways event.

Grab your Maltese Heritage RL supporters gear online at >

https://au.paladin.sport/collections/malta-rugby-league

*This store is not run by MRL. All enquiries must go thru Paladin Sport.

DIMECH’S CORNWALL HOST GALEA IN LONG TRIP DOWN FROM WORKINGTON

It was a Malta Knights reunion as Cornwall on the weekend, featuring the Malta national team’s Kaine Dimech met fellow Malta international Zarrin Galea’s Workington Town.

Malta international Reece Dimech (also the brother of Kaine) was also at the match at the Memorial Ground in Cornwall, where Zarrin got on the try scorers sheet.

For Workington Town, it was an 11-hour drive to get to Cornwall, but Zarrin has been in great form of late, two player of the match performances in his last two matches, and by all reports another game well played by both of the Malta stars.

DASILVA APPOINTED TO TOUCH JUDGE USA V UKRAINE

Malta based Portuguese match official Lionel DaSilva has been appointed to touch judge the Under 19’s match between and this afternoon at Belgrade.

DaSilva (pictured right) is in Belgrade alongside national team head coach Phillip Humphrey, both completing respective Match Officials and Coaching courses delivered by the

The Malta Rugby League (MRL) congratulates both gentlemen and wishes Lionel the best of luck in today’s international fixture.

MALTA REFEREE TRAINING IN SERBIA

Malta based match official Lionel DaSilva (pictured second from right) is currently in Belgrade completing a European Rugby League Match Officials Level 1 Course.

Lionel is a leading match official in Malta’s national rugby league championship.

The course in Belgrade is part of a technical education event running from 16 to 21 July.

Ahead of the event, it was anticipated there would be almost 50 delegates from 10 different federations taking part in the event that will include match officials and coaching courses alongside Serbia’s hosting of the European Under 19’s Championship.

HERITAGE U16s/U18s PATHWAYS TRIALS | 5TH AUGUST 2024

Venue: Ched Towns Reserve
Address: 1 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745.
Time: 6pm

Maltese Heritage Rugby League are participating in the following fixtures and are calling out for players for all age groups.

· 12th October vs FIRLA - Sydney Venue TBC (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).
· 19th, 20th October vs Harmony Nines - Croome Road Sporting Complex (U17 girls, U16, U18, U20 boys).
· 26th October vs Philippines - New Era Stadium Cabramatta (U17 girls, U17, U19, U21 boys).
· 9th November vs Syria - Sydney Venue TBC (U16, U18, U20 boys).

For more information, please call Simon on 0444 576 404 (boys) or Alysha on 0439 006 418 (girls).

📸 Some of the Match Day pictures thanks to Kel's Camera 📸

Match Day Pictures - Malta XIII v Oxford University RLFC
Saturday 29 June 2024 at Marsa Rugby Ground

Match Day Partners: Jean Pierre Zarb - Tied Insurance Intermediary + BodySolutions Physiotherapy + Rise Physio +

MRL Sponsors: GIORDANO + + First Class Finance + Search Party Property

Post Match Socials 📸 at Melounge Malta and thanks one again to Oxford University RLFC for touring the Maltese Islands for the last week.

Match Day Partners: Jean Pierre Zarb - Tied Insurance Intermediary + BodySolutions Physiotherapy + Rise Physio +

MRL Sponsors: GIORDANO + STINGZ + First Class Finance + Search Party Property

MALTA XIII HOLD OUT OXFORD UNIVERSITY 34 TO 20

Malta shot out to a 22-nil lead after 15 minutes before Oxford University RLFC staged a mid-match comeback, before Love Island star and former Parramatta Eels Josh Gatt separated the sides four minutes from time for a 34 to 20 Malta XIII victory at Marsa Rugby Ground this afternoon.

The visitors threatened the Maltese when they brought the scores to within two only 10 minutes from full time, but the Maltese led from start to finish in a hardly fought contest in 30-degrees-plus temperatures.

Malta national team prop Jean Pierre Zarb opened the scoring for the Maltese after four minutes, and over the next 11 minutes, 16-year-old debutant Harrison Jewitt, dual Malta rugby international Jean Scholey, and Maltese prop Josh Cassar all crossed for four pointers.

Renowned local point-scorer Kyle Gauci kicked five from six conversions, but the visitors staged a comeback that saw the Maltese have to rally together to hold off the famous university rugby league side.

Oxford University skipper Milo Wills led from the front with two tries, fullback Tom Milton also scored as well as converting on two occasions.

Australian referee Phil Kingsman called half-time when three Maltese players suffered a head clash just off their own tryline.

A try from Jack Sander early in the second half had the Maltese on notice and it was a tussle in the Maltese sun for the last half hour before Gatt put the match beyond doubt.

Maltese captain Karl Cassar put the icing on the cake in the final minute and Gauci converted for a 14-point home victory.

Malta coach Philip Humphrey’s men will return to their club commitments before he calls the national team in September ahead of the October international away to the Netherlands.

Malta XIII 34 (J.Zarb, H.Jewitt, J.Scholey, J.Cassar, J.Gatt, K.Cassar tries, K.Gauci 5 from 6 goals) defeated
Oxford University 20 (M.Wills 2, T.Milton, J.Sander tries, T.Milton 2 from 2, M.Wills 0 from 2 goals)
At Marsa Rugby Ground, Malta
Referee: Phil Kingsman, Touch Judges: Mauro Miceli, Alex Albright.
Saturday 29 June 2024

Photos: Mike Borg

Here is today’s starting line-up v Oxford University RLFC

Kick-off in less than one hour at the Marsa Rugby Ground.

Live streaming at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

MALTA XIII
1. Philippe Ioffe
2. Shaun Chircop
3. Harrison Jewitt
4. Kyle Gauci (vc)
5. Jean Scholey
6. James Donovan
7. Brendan Dalton
8. Josh Cassar
9. Karl Cassar (c)
11. Jean-Pierre Zarb
10. Karol Spiteri
12. Alfie Jewitt
13. Josh Gatt
14. Robin Cutajar
15. Aidan Demicoli
16. Jon Jon Micallef
17. Sven Camilleri
18. Ryan Felice
19. Liam Scicluna

Head Coach: Phillip Humphrey
Assistant Coach: Jonas Nahon
Team Manager: Anthony Micallef

TODAY'S MATCH OFFICIALS

The match officials for today's friendly international fixture between the Malta XIII and Oxford University RLFC are as follows.

Referee: Phil Kingsman
Touch Judges: Mauro Miceli and Alex Albright.

Kick-off is at 3pm at the Marsa Rugby Ground.

Support us at Marsa Rugby Ground (Kick-off: 3pm) or watch via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH DAY PARTNERS

Thanks to:

Rise Physio +

For sponsoring our match day physiotherapy needs at today's fixture between the Malta XIII and Oxford University RLFC.

Support us at Marsa Rugby Ground (Kick-off: 3pm) or watch via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH DAY PARTNERS

Thanks to:

BodySolutions Physiotherapy

For sponsoring our match day physiotherapy needs at today's fixture between the Malta XIII and Oxford University RLFC.

Support us at Marsa Rugby Ground (Kick-off: 3pm) or watch via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH DAY PARTNERS

Thanks to:

Jean Pierre Zarb - Tied Insurance Intermediary

For sponsoring the transport services that the children from St Joseph Home Zabbar will use in order to be our ball boys and ball girls at today's match.

Support us at Marsa Rugby Ground (Kick-off: 3pm) or watch via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

OXFORD UNIVERSITY NAME SQUAD FOR SATURDAY

Oxford University RLFC have announced their squad to face the Malta XIII at Marsa Rugby Ground this Saturday (Kick-off: 3pm).

In confirming his squad, head coach Thomas James also confirmed Milo Wills as captain.

OXFORD UNIVERSITY RLFC
Eddie Bolland
Ollie Bottle
Matt Bridger
John Gulland
Ethan Gunning
Guy Greenbaum
Ben Hobart
Jamie Huddart
Ben Hughes
Olly Hughes
Charlie Kenway
Tom Milton
Patrick Robinson
Jack Sander
Milo Wills (C)

Head Coach: Thomas James

Malta XIII v Oxford University RLFC
Kick-off: 3pm
Saturday 29 June 2024
At Marsa Rugby Ground, Malta
Free admission

Live streaming at:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

CAPTAIN’S RUN COMPLETE

Malta XIII v Oxford University RLFC
Kick-off: 3pm
Saturday 29 June 2024
At Marsa Rugby Ground, Malta
Free admission

Live streaming at:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

#

THANK YOU TO TOMORROW'S MATCH DAY PARTNERS

Jean Pierre Zarb - Tied Insurance Intermediary

BodySolutions Physiotherapy

Rise Physio +

Support us at Marsa Rugby Ground (Kick-off: 3pm) or watch via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WtkY4TjIrY6GllxjRmwLQ

HUMPHREY ADDS JONAS NAHON TO MALTA COACHING STAFF

Malta head coach Philip Humphrey will welcome Frenchman Jonas Nahon to the MRL coaching ranks when the two lead the Malta XIII this Saturday against Oxford University at Marsa (Kick-off: 3pm)

While Nahon was a familiar face on the sidelines at all of last season’s domestic championship fixtures, the pair originally met thanks to Malta’s fledgling domestic rugby union scene.

Humphrey and Nahon have never coached together, with both coaches involved with different Maltese clubs over the years, but the link-up will see Nahon add some assistance to Humphrey on the sidelines.

The pair join former head coach Anthony Micallef who oversees Maltese rugby league operations, and as a trio are now the MRL brains trust off the pitch alongside MRL player-come-President Jean-Pierre Zarb.

Humphrey says: “This year, I really wanted to add an extra coach to the team to get us in the best possible place for the international fixture (V Netherlands) in October”.

“In starting that search, Jonas’ name came up very quickly. I’ve played and coached against him, played for him and seen his constant love and enthusiasm for rugby in Malta. It was a no brainier of a decision”.

“I have no doubt he’ll make a fantastic impact”.

MALTA NAME MATCH DAY SQUAD TO FACE OXFORD UNIVERSITY

MATCH DAY PARTNERS:
BODY SOLUTIONS PHYSIOTHERAPY
JEAN-PIERRE ZARB
RISE PHYSIO +

Malta head coach Philip Humphrey has named his 19-man matchday squad to face Oxford University RLFC this Saturday (Kick-off: 3pm) at Marsa Rugby Ground with free admission.

The squad includes four overseas based players of which one is 16-year-old debutant Harrison Jewitt who plays for the Castleford Tigers Academy and is the younger brother of Malta international Alfie Jewitt.

Also named in the squad is former Parramatta Eels junior Josh Gatt who was released from the villa of reality television program Love Island earlier this week.

With no less than 15 domestic based players selected, Malta internationals Aidan Demicoli, Jean Scholey and Kyle Gauci (all pictured) are included in the squad.

Malta head coach Philip Humphrey said that whilst the task of squad selections was a difficult one, it is rewarding to see players from across the Maltese rugby landscape all represented, and he's confident the squad will put their best foot forward.

''As is becoming normal, I’ve had an enormously difficult task in doing the selection process due to the huge effort put in by all the players. In the end, I feel these 19 will show what it means to play for Malta. Now the exciting bit begins''.

''It's a nice reflection of the rugby climate in Malta at the moment that there's also a player from every Maltese rugby union club in today's squad selection, a strength for the two rugby's in their pursuit of development on the Maltese Islands''.

The Oxford University squad arrived in Malta on Monday morning and got into warm-weather training at Marsa the following morning.

Admission is free, supporters are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, food and drinks, and the match kicks off at 3pm at Marsa Rugby Ground.

Australian match official Phil Kingsman will referee the fixture.

Malta head coach Philip Humphrey is assisted by Jonas Nahon and Anthony Micallef.

MALTA XIII VS OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Josh Cassar
Karl Cassar
Sven Camilleri
Shaun Chircop
Robin Cutajar
Brendan Dalton
Aidan Demicoli
James Donovan
Ryan Felice
Josh Gatt
Kyle Gauci
Philippe Ioffe
Alfie Jewitt
Harrison Jewitt
Jon Jon Micallef
Jean Scholey
Liam Scicluna
Karol Spiteri
Jean-Pierre Zarb

Malta XIII v Oxford University RLFC
Saturday 29 June 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
At Marsa Rugby Ground
Free admission

Logħba ta' ħbiberija għat-team Malti tar-Rugby League kontra Oxford University nhar is-Sibt

Logħba ta' ħbiberija għat-team malti tar-Rugby League kontra Oxford University nhar is-sibt Nhar is-sibt 29 ta’ Ġunju, it-team malti tar-Rugby League se jkun fl-azzjoni f’logħba ta’ ħbiberija kontra Oxford University RLFC. Il-logħba se tintlagħab fil-pitch tar-Rugby