Women's rugby on the rise

It is not only the men’s game that is on the rise in Malta says a report by the International Rugby Board:

..women’s rugby having prospered since it was introduced only three years ago and their national team took part in the European Sevens Championship Division B and finished as runners-up to Finland. There are also three women’s clubs.

The achievements of the national women’s team were recognised when they received the silver medal at the Malta Olympic Committee Sports Awards ceremony on 14 December, having been nominated for the Team of the Year category.

"Rugby enjoys weekly coverage on television, radio and in newspapers," said Neill. "One of the networks bought the rights to show live all 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2007 and they were really rewarded by their audience figures, which was fantastic."

Malta's national team are not in action again until May when they conclude their European Nations Cup campaign with the visit of Division 2B leaders Poland to Paola on 10 May and then a trip to Andorra the following weekend. However by then they could be playing to even bigger crowds as the growth continues.