The Malta A rugby squad has departed for Vienna to face Austria A in an international 15 a side friendly match, as preparations continue ahead of the upcoming Rugby Europe Conference season.
The fixture forms part of Malta’s broader build up towards future international competitions, including long term ambitions linked to qualification pathways for the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The Rugby Europe Conference campaign begins in April, with Malta scheduled to face Andorra away from home and Israel on home soil.
The travelling squad consists of 23 locally based players, joined by heritage players based in the United Kingdom and Australia. The combined group has been selected ahead of the friendly against Austria A, which provides competitive match preparation before the official Conference fixtures begin.
Head Coach Phil Pretorius confirmed that the locally based players completed a ten week strength and conditioning programme in preparation for these matches. He stated that the squad includes players capable of contributing to Malta’s progression in international rugby rankings.
Malta Rugby Football Union President Gerald Strickland highlighted the work carried out behind the scenes by volunteers and management staff in supporting the national setup. He also referred to ongoing efforts to develop youth structures aimed at strengthening domestic clubs and supporting the sport’s long term sustainability in Malta.
The friendly in Vienna offers the Malta A squad competitive exposure as the team continues its preparations for the Rugby Europe Conference season.
