Rugby league in Malta
Rugby league is growing in Malta as a full-contact sport. The first game in Malta was played in Marsa in 2005, when a largely Australian-Maltese touring team beat the England Lionhearts 36–6, with one local player, Robert Bonavia.
The Maltese Rugby League Association (MRLA) was formed in April 2004 in Strathfield, Australia. Malta made its international debut on 25 September 2004, defeating the British Defence Forces in Sydney. Malta’s first home international came in October 2005 against the England Lionhearts at Marsa.
The first domestic match in Malta was on 13 October 2007, San Giljan Dragons versus Birkirkara Warriors at Floriana Stadium (nines format).
The Malta Rugby League (MRL) is the sport’s official governing body in Malta. It is an Affiliate Member of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) and recognised by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF). It is also part of Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS), the Maltese sports council.
In 2008, the Maltese Rugby League Association merged with Kumitat Nazzjonali ta Rugby League f’Malta to form the MRL, unifying Maltese rugby league and pushing its European presence. In 2011, full European integration was achieved when remaining Australian-based directors resigned and locals took over. The MRL is run by a nine-person board, with an operations manager from each club.
The first domestic competition, the Malta Rugby League Nines, was held in October 2007 at Floriana Stadium, with teams including San Giljan Dragons, Mosta Titans, Sliema Broncos, Qormi Sharks, Birkirkara Warriors, Siggiewi Storm and the Royal Logistics Corps. A Malta selection won the final.
From 2009 to 2010, the MRL Championship was played in four games between the North and South. There is also a Wheelchair Rugby League championship and an MRL Academy.
The England match helped spur domestic growth and attracted around 750 spectators at the Marsa game. Malta has Australian links through Maltese Heritage Rugby League, which supports rugby league in Maltese communities in Australia, including programs for juniors and seniors.
The Malta national team includes local players and heritage players from England and Australia and is nicknamed the Knights. Malta XIII is another national team; players must meet eligibility rules or be residents of Malta or Gozo. Players eligible for Malta XIII can be selected for the Knights.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 11:55 (CET).