RUGBY REACHES RIO OLYMPICS

It’s the pinnacle of sporting achievement where men and women from all over the world strive to compete for gold.  As of today, the global rugby family are celebrating the announcement that Rugby Sevens will be included at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

On Friday 9th October, the International Olympic Committee voted overwhelmingly for inclusion of the sport.  “The best men’s and women’s players in the world are excited to showcase their talents on the world’s greatest sporting stage,” said Bernard Lapasset, President of the International Rugby Board.

Commenting on the historic decision, Martin Galea, President of the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) said, “This is a tremendous boost for the game and its players in Malta who are both dedicated to the sport and to bringing the game to a wider audience. An Olympic stage is a fantastic aspiration.” 

Mr Galea went on to explain that as rugby has become an Olympic sport, it is hoped it will be included in the Small Nations Games, in which Malta’s rugby players will realistically compete for medals.

As rugby grows in popularity in Malta with success on and off the international stage, Damian Neill, coach for the MRFU, said, “Of course, it’s an exciting decision, but it’s also the right one. Rugby is played by millions of men and women all over the world and I’m delighted that the game will now be recognised on the world’s largest sporting platform.  We have a wealth of rugby talent in Malta -   men’s women’s and youth teams - the fact that their chosen sport has achieved Olympic recognition is rewarding and inspirational.”
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Malta’s rugby season kicks off with a European Championship match in Croatia on 31st October, followed by a return match against Sweden at Hibernians on 7th November. This much anticipated event follows Malta’s famous away victory last November.