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MRFU President Kevin Buttigieg, talks to Kevin Grech about Malta’s successful rugby team
How did you get involved in Rugby?
 When I was in Malta on holiday about 15 years ago I went down to play with some of the Maltese guys and ever since then I fell in love with the sport. I have now been actually involved for about 10 years on a permanent basis.
When did the association start?
The Union started in 1991 when we became affiliated with the international rugby board and the European body of rugby in 2000.
What goals do you want to achieve this year as President?
Well, my first goal is to get as many kids playing rugby as possible. To strengthen and improve all our local categories such U15's, U17's U19's, U21's local league, Malta A and the Women’s rugby. Women’s rugby is quite a challenge which I think Malta can see the same successes as they have seen in the national squad. Then of course is to win our group stage of the 3rd round of the World cup.
How many players come from abroad to play in the National team?
It depends – we have a policy that the best player in that position gets the job whether he currently lives in Malta or lives overseas. We are all Maltese and work together as a family.
Who pays for their expenses?
The union will cover most expenses once a player has established his or herself in the national squad. Any player coming for a trial pays his own way.
How do you see Malta's National team progressing in the future?
I see us shocking the world and playing in the World Cup!
How do you rate Malta's performance compared to its competitors?
Well we have an attitude in Malta which is ‘we are too small and we cannot do it.’ The excuses that make your stomach turn. Well my opinion is if you believe in yourself you can and that’s why we are successful. We believe we take it serious and we have a job to do we are representing our country and if we can we want to make Malta proud and not let anyone down. When you put on that shirt, that should be the highest level of sportsmen’s career. It should bring tears to your eyes and if it doesn't you should give it back.
What does a typical rugby season cost the association?
Well it’s difficult for us to say as we are growing at a rapid pace and every year it becomes more expensive. I think this year to be successful we need around Lm120,000.
How does the association finance itself?
We finance ourselves through our sponsors who believe in us such as Farsons, Barclays, Vodafone etc. the international rugby board. A lot of fundraising.
What is the biggest financial outlay?
The largest financial outlay is travelling to play test matches as this is the only way to improve for us. It is so expensive to fly out of Malta and hotels are quite expensive abroad so you just have to be careful.
Does government finance the rugby association in any way?
No, not at the moment cash-wise. They do help us with use of the pitch at Marsa.
We are currently in negotiations with Joe Cassar, the CEO of Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport on some funding for our own pitch at Marsa.
As soon as we can confirm that the government will not be using the grounds as an extension for a golf course, we can get the ball rolling.
If the Rugby association had the same backup as the MFA, where would it be today?
Well the only answer there which is obvious with the results we achieve, is that Malta would be a powerhouse in World Rugby and be competing in the World cup.
What is the difference between MFRU and the MRLA?
Quite a big difference. MRLA is more of just a contact sport where the players are very physical. Rugby Football Union is more of a tactical sport where a player has an actual game plan it is also physical. Rugby football Union is played in 120 countries across the world and Rugby league is only played by 14 countries. The norm is that Rugby league players cross over to play Rugby union – it takes some adapting but there are some good players which can be used in Rugby Union that play rugby league. I guess just a matter of taste just like any other sport.
Has the association requested title over the ground at the Marsa sports club to transform the area into a rugby pitch?
Yes, this is correct. We are currently in negotiations with Joe Cassar the CEO of KMS to sort out a home for the Malta Rugby Union which is desperately needed and when in place the level of rugby will increase at an even more rapid rate.
International rugby matches have recently been played at the Hibs ground. Are there any plans to have similar matches played at Ta’ Qali stadium?
Well as you know the Ta' Qali stadium belongs to the MFA and they have quite a bit of ground over there which isn't used to its full potential.
Actually you will find that most football teams do not even train there as the MFA charges exorbitant prices to their clubs so they opt to use the other pitches around the island.
I reckon there will be a time when we will need to use Ta' Qali as the crowds we draw grow bigger and bigger but let’s keep our feet on the ground.
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