Pictured above: MRFU President Brian Dalton with DHL Express Country Manager, Malta, Charles Schiavone, Youth Committee Chairman Joseph Borda,  member Charles Pace and Vice-Chairman Simon Zammit 

Malta is among the top 43 leading rugby-playing nations in the world to be invited to send a child to deliver the official match ball on the field of play during the Rugby World Cup 2015.

The lucky winner will present the match ball to the referee at the Scotland versus United States game, taking place on Sunday, 27 September, 2015, at 2.30 p.m. at the Elland Road ground in Leeds.

DHL Express, who are sponsoring this all-expenses paid trip for the child, aged 8-15, and a parent/guardian, have teamed up with the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) to organise a competition to select the child from Malta or Gozo to attend the Rugby World Cup (RWC-2015) tournament, being held in the UK between 18 September and 31 October.

Joseph Borda, Chairman of the MRFU Youth Committee, said: “We at the MRFU are very proud to have been chosen to participate in this World Cup event. To be in with a chance to qualify for selection, children from Malta and Gozo are being invited to register and attend the weekly training sessions. These sessions are being held at the MRFU training grounds in Marsa on Sunday mornings at 9.30 a.m.

“All those who have attended these training sessions, which are open to all, will take part in a tournament on 20 March. Malta’s representative will be selected at this tournament. The winner will be announced during the half time interval at the upcoming international rugby game between Malta and Switzerland at Hibs ground on 25 April.”

DHL Express Country Manager, Malta, Charles Schiavone said: “DHL is giving a child from Malta a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver the official match ball to the referee at the Rugby World Cup 2015. The child and a parent/guardian will receive return flights and transfers to Leeds, two tickets to the match and two nights’ accommodation with a local DHL family.

“In addition, the chid will receive an official DHL RWC merchandise kit, including uniform and rugby ball, plus a thank-you gift of a match ball delivery photo as a memento. This is a great way to encourage young people in Malta and Gozo to play rugby and we are looking forward to working with the MRFU on this unique initiative.”