Mazda has shown its commitment to Maltese sport with a hefty three-year sponsorship of the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU). The deal, which will allow the Union to continue and, indeed, increase its level of commitment at the international level, will see Mazda branding on all the MRFU teams’ kits as well as on MRFU merchandise.

“We are proud to be able to sponsor the Malta Rugby Football Union,” commented David Gasan, a former Malta rugby international player himself and managing director at Gasan Enterprises, the Mazda distributor in Mrieħel.

“Rugby is one of the most popular and successful sports on the island and fits with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom ethos. Malta is about to enter the 2011 World Cup Qualifiers, so it is a really exciting time. We wish the team the greatest success.”

The partnership has been welcomed by Danny Sacco, MRFU national team manager (UK), who was instrumental in the deal and is himself a Mazda distributor in the UK: “We are delighted that Mazda has offered its support to the MRFU. It is a significant boost to rugby in Malta,” he commented. “We look forward to working closely with both Mazda and Gasan Enterprises, and growing the sport in Malta.”

The island has made remarkable progression in rugby since its first international match in 2000 and is currently competing in the European Division 2B. The Maltese team is ranked 56th by the International Rugby Board and will play its first home World Cup qualifying match against Croatia on 25 October.

For more information about Mazda in Malta, visit www.mazda.com.mt. For more information about the Malta Rugby Football Union, visit www.maltarugby.com.