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Christoff Diamantino talks to Kevin Grech about what it takes to play rugby
Who and what inspired you to start playing rugby?
 As a teenager I never understood or had any interest in the game, I thought it was a game for the big bellied, macho lager louts. Back then, approximately 15 years ago, the game was very different and today’s game is a much faster, refined and spectator friendly sport. I was 21 when I first held a rugby ball and this was thanks to a friend of mine called Petzu (Peter Camilleri). He somehow convinced me that this might be a good sport for me being 6’4” tall. I joined the Phoenicians (in those days a team to be reckoned with) not because I thought I might take up rugby seriously but because I had a lot of my close friends training with the team and I was interested in the strict code of discipline when it came to fitness training. From the training with the team I started to play the games on Saturday afternoons and slowly learnt more and more about the game and its laws and naturally as one does I grew to love the game. Looking back rugby has given me so much more than just the game. The physical discipline it commands is constantly there if you intend to play an 80-minute competitive game you’d better be physically ready otherwise you are at high risk of being injured and missing out on half if not the full season. Besides giving me many new friends and having been able to travel to at least 15 different countries and some unforgettable experiences, rugby has given me the right attitude and better quality of life.
What is a typical training regime before a game?
Since our team is made up of players from four different countries the full team only gets together one or two weeks before a game. So in order to monitor players’ fitness levels our committee chaps and the coach are quite busy gathering this information all the year round. The locally based players are fortunate enough to be able to participate in a program designed by our coach, all closely monitored by the officials. Once picked in the first 22 we are then together for two weeks and normally play back to back internationals. Together means, in the same hotel, eat all meals, attend all meetings, attend all board and training sessions and swim together. I believe this type of build-up proves to be very effective because you are literally putting your body on the line for your teammates and they would do the same for you, so the feeling of comradeship must be there. The level of training is constantly increasing (thanks to our success) and to get on the team today is getting very hard. No matter how talented you may be or how many tries you have scored in the season, if you are not fit enough you most likely wont make the team. So those who looking for a position should not only be following the coaches training coarse but should fitting in an extra hour a day of personal training.
What qualities should a rugby player have?
If you had to break down a team into different categories of different skill qualities you would probably come up with 6. There are players that one could say specialize in certain technical areas of the game and others which fit the profile being the right height and weight. There are positions for nearly all sizes, for example to be a scrum half you are generally small but quick but to be a prop you are generally big and slower. Although there are no specific exterior qualities you need to play rugby you do need others. If you are the type who minds getting his hands dirty and being roughed up quite a bit than I suggest you just keep on watching football but if you’ve got a bit of a wild side to you and don’t mind getting your face stuffed in the mud occasionally and doing the same to your opponent then you should give it a go. How seriously and to which level you want to take your rugby all depends on your commitment, attitude and most importantly the discipline.
How would you compare the level of rugby in Malta to other countries?
Our level in most areas is a lot lower but our passion is our secret weapon. Most other countries we compete against in my opinion have three fundamental advantages. Firstly they have a longer history of existence and therefore do not have to face the challenges of development we are facing. The flagstones such as a club house and a pitch owned by the union are still being debated. Secondly our pool of players is much smaller than the others. If you compare the amount of clubs and players we have to others there is a substantial difference. Thirdly the government and sports associations funding they receive is better. On the other hand I can understand that land abroad is often more abundant than it is here so our grounds and facilities are scarce and shared among others.
Malta meets Germany in its next major international match. Is it possible to obtain victory?
Germany will be the best-ranked team by far Malta has ever played. Three years ago when Malta beat Monaco no one really believed we could win against a team ranked so much higher than us. One important lesson I have learnt is that a game is 80 minutes long and if you give your best and play with all the passion in your heart for 80 minutes you will be surprised what you can achieve.
How many times have you played for Malta?
Nineteen times.
What is your most memorable game?
So many, all of them have that special memory. But I think after the first five losses in our first ever participation in the World Cup Qualifiers we unexpectedly beat Monaco at home, great day.
You have already retired from the National team once, only to return and play against Denmark. You have once again retired from rugby. Do you see yourself playing with the national squad again?
One of my hardest decisions ever. To stop playing for your country and leave a team I have grown to love. A lifelong dream to travel various parts of the world is only six weeks away for me and although it was a hard decision, I think if I don’t leave now when I still can I never will and if when I come back I make the team I see no reason why I shouldn’t play for my country again.
Do you think that the rugby association should get more help from government?
It is often the case in Malta that sports unions and even voluntary groups have to have an influence in the political arena if they want some help to develop. This to me is not right for the simple fact that if for some reason or another the union has a falling out with a particular minister then dream on! There should be some kind of fair funding scheme which unions don’t have to fight over like vultures.
As you have been involved in the MRFU Youth sector do you ever see yourself coaching a team or starting your own rugby school?
Things in our Union and in Maltese Rugby are undoubtedly improving mainly thanks to our success internationally. Now that the wheel is in motion I am very optimistic that an organized coaching structure will be in place in the near future and I look forward to being part of that development.
What can be done to attract more youths to the game?
There is no lack in youths willing to take up rugby as their major sport but there is a big lack in the facilities being provided and more importantly the lack of experienced coaches. The few that coach (apart from our national coach) presently, do so on a voluntary basis and unless we start paying and training our people to coach the youths, we shall move at a snail’s pace compared to our competition.
How do you explain the relative success of Maltese rugby, which has even attracted impressive crowds for international matches in such a short time span?
The most obvious reason would be that we have had many more wins than losses. When people mention rugby in Malta they associate it with a success story which they like to be part of. Other reasons are that we have a very loyal group of fans who even sometimes travel at their own expense with the team. Also the organization and promotion of the games is huge, and the amount of work that some of our committee members do on a voluntary basis, I am always impressed by.
Which is your favorite rugby team on the international scene?
If I had to pick a favorite it would be Wales.
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