Malta Knights meet Prime Minister in sign of league's growing recognition

Malta Knights players and staff have met with Dr. Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, and Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, at Castille in a sign of rugby league's growing recognition in Malta. 

Undefeated in Europe for the last three years, and currently ranked 13th in the IRL world rankings, Malta Rugby League representatives discussed the team's extraordinary success and impending schedule for 2025 during the meeting at Castille, Malta.

After defeating Italy 42-0 away from home in 2024, Malta are preparing for the European Championship later this year.

Jean-Pierre Zarb, President of the Malta Rugby League (MRL) and Malta Knights vice-captain, commented: "Today’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Malta is a significant milestone for rugby league in Malta. It reflects the growing recognition of our sport and its potential to unite communities, inspire young athletes, and raise Malta’s profile on the international stage".

Malta Knights team manager Anthony Micallef, added: "As we celebrate 20 years of Maltese Rugby League, the players and staff meeting the Prime Minister of Malta here today at Castille represent every supporter, every staff, and every player that has represented the Malta Knights, both today and before them".

The MRL presented a replica Malta Knights national rugby league team playing shirt as a token gift to the Prime Minister.

MALTA RUGBY LEAGUE (MRL) MEMBERS MEETING THE PRIME MINISTER
Players:
Scott Beerman
Cameron Brown
Mark Camilleri
Shaun Chircop
Robin Cutajar
Peter Debono
Jeremy Dela
Aidan Demicoli
Justin Farrugia
Josh Gatt
Kyle Gauci
James Grech
Jon Micallef
Luke Musu
William Watts
Jean-Pierre Zarb (MRL President and Malta Knights Vice-Captain)
Philip Humphrey (Malta Knights Head Coach)
Anthony Micallef (Malta Knights Team Manager and Former Head Coach)
Roderick Attard (Malta Knights Former Head Coach)
Paul McKenna (MRL Committee)
Yanika Spiteri (MRL Committee)