Maltese squad leaves for Andorra

Malta's rugby squad yesterday flew out to Barcelona en route to Andorra ahead of their final European Championship 2B qualifier tomorrow.

Malta, classified 55th in the latest IRB rankings, have their sights set on victory against Andorra (ranked 62nd) to make up for their 16-29 home defeat to Poland last weekend.

This will be the second meeting between these two nations. A year ago, Malta defeated Andorra 31-24 at the Hibs Ground.

Fourth in the five-team group, Malta must avoid defeat to Andorra to escape relegation to Division 3A. On the other hand, only a victory will suffice for bottom-placed Andorra to stay up and send Malta down.

Apart from the players, the Maltese contingent is made up of MRFU official Nick Gatt, national coach Damian Neill, assistant coach Barry Madocks, team manager Sean Doublesin, UK team manager Danny Sacco, MRRS touch judge Bryan Corlett and Pierre Azzopardi.

Squad: A. Bartolo, D. Borg, I. Borda, M. Bonavia (all Kavallieri); A. Galea (Qormi Sharks); C. Cassar (Overseas); D. Busuttil (Beddau RFC, Wales); D. St George (Kew Occasionals, England); G. Kennedy, P. Calgaro (Queanbeyan Whites, Australia); H. Collins (Hartpury College, England); J. Bartolo (Edinburgh Academicals, Scotland); J. Finlason (Hove, England); K. Mason (Plymouth Albion, England); L. Culnane (Tuggeranong Vikings, Australia); L. Vella (Emu Plains, Australia); M. Mirabelli (Stompers); M. McArdle (Ealing Trailfinders, England); O. Sacco (Clifton, England); P. Marzella (Burleigh Bears, Australia); R. Spiteri (Goulburn Bulldogs, Australia); S. Kempster (Tring RFC, England).