Malta Rugby Football Union Comments During Press Conference Ahead Of Austria Clash

During the pre-match press conference held on Saturday morning, The Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) underlined the significance of this Sunday’s Rugby Europe Conference playoff, as Malta’s national team prepares to face a strong Austrian side in what has the potential to be an era-defining moment for Maltese rugby.

Malta topped the Rugby Europe Conference, a structure which involves 21 different countries, courtesy of wins over Cyprus, Andorra and Israel over the course of the season.

This has set up a date with destiny: Malta will face Austria in a promotion play-off. A victory would mean that Malta will be promoted to the Rugby Europe Trophy, European rugby’s second tier, for the first time ever.

The match will take place on Sunday 24 May with kick-off at 18:00 at, for the first time ever, the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

Addressing the media on Saturday morning, Head Coach Dr Phil Pretorius, alongside senior players, emphasised both the challenge ahead and the opportunity it represents.

He said that Austria arrives as a well-organised and physical opponent, but added that Malta’s squad remains focused on delivering a disciplined and high-performance display in front of a passionate home crowd.

Team captain Joseph Greaves said that a win on Sunday would validate the work that has been done throughout the year, adding that the Trophy division is somewhere that he believes Malta belongs.

The occasion is fast building up to one which promises a spectacular atmosphere before a record crowd, with over 2,000 tickets now sold.

The MRFU thanked all fans, saying that their support from the stands makes the occasion even more special and gives the team the backing they deserve on such an important day for Maltese rugby, that “without you, this would not have happened.”

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