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For many decades, rugby in Malta was restricted to British Services environments on the island and hardly any local interest was shown in the game. Recently, however, rugby has seen a surge in interest mostly as a result of the success being achieved by the national squad in the international arena. Suddenly, Malta was producing a new crop of rugby players and filling up stadiums for the big international matches.
The new sporting interest has also led to the creation of a national league set-up with local clubs taking on one another, handicapped only by an acute lack of proper playing fields. For its international commitments, however, the Malta rugby squad is always assured of a good stadium, a bumper crowd and some amazing support.
Rugby has become fashionable, particularly amongst the younger generation that sees in it yet another opportunity to try a different sport from the one they were obviously born into, football. Watching an international rugby match in Malta will bring back the good old days when participating was indeed the ultimate aim, though good results have never hurt anybody. It is fun to watch and great to be a part of the wave of enthusiasm that runs across the terraces. Most international games are held either at the Hibs Stadium in Corradino or the Marsa Sports Grounds, a sprawling former colonial playground that also houses tennis, football, horse-racing, athletics, cricket, golf and polo.
If there is a game on while you are in Malta, go and see it. Even if you aren't familiar with the sport, you will simply love the atmosphere.
International rugby is by far the post popular version of the sport in Malta and thousands turn out to watch games which are normally held at the Corradino Ground. There is also a thriving domestic league. For more info and fixtures check out the rugby association’s webside www.maltarugby.com
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