The 2012 MRL Dove Men+Care Championship will kick off this Wednesday evening with four clubs vying for the crown including Gozo RL and new entries Kavallieri RL and Sliema Stompers. The championship - the first in Maltese rugby league's history - will kick off at Balzan FC Sportsground with a double header; Malta Origin hosting Gozo RL and Kavallieri RL taking on Sliema Stompers.

Malta development manager Anthony Micallef has welcomed the new local championship, commenting: “Maltese rugby league has gone from strength to strength this season off the field with Dove Men+Care and Urban Jungle coming on board in the winter. And now, I join the players too in looking forward to a great domestic championship between four very competitive teams. The addition of Sliema Stompers and Kavallieri RL is a welcome boost to the local game for the existing clubs and the national team setup may also benefit with the finding of a couple of new players for our fixtures against Denmark this summer.”

The expanded championship has been welcomed by the Malta internationals behind each team; Roderick Attard, Malcolm Attard and Clifford Debattista, and a young band of players to steer the Malta origin team including Joe Paolella, Joey Criminale and Sam Keep.

The championship is set to provide a strong preparation for domestic players aiming to break into the national team squad for the summer’s home and away Dove Men+Care International Series between Malta and Denmark.

2012 MRL DOVE MEN+CARE CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

MATCHDAY 1 – Wednesday 9 May 2012
7.00pm; Malta Origin v Gozo RL
8.45pm; Kavallieri RFC v Sliema Stompers

MATCHDAY 2 – Wednesday 16 May 2012
7.00pm; Kavallieri RFC v Malta Origin
8.45pm; Sliema Stompers v Gozo RL

MATCHDAY 3 – Wednesday 23 May 2012
7.00pm; Malta Origin v Sliema Stompers
8.45pm; Kavallieri RFC v Gozo RL

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – Wednesday 30 June 2012
7.00pm;1st v 2nd