Berkshireman Darren Choules woke up for breakfast in Bracknell last Friday morning, but he would make his MRL Championship debut at Marsa later that night after taking the flight to Malta.

The flight from London to Malta is a bit more than a 4200km return trip.

The 29-year-old plays his rugby for the blue and yellow of Shire Hall RFC, but after having visited Malta more than 30 times, it was time to lace up the boots and make his presence known on the rugby pitches of Malta.

Five years earlier, the electrician and amateur rugby player was in the crowd as Malta faced the Ukraine on the same Marsa pitch.

"My grandmother on my dad's side was Maltese, my family is from St Julian’s and Swieqi, so doing this was always on my bucket list", says Darren.

Reading Chronicle:

"I've been to Malta around 30 or more times, I visit about two or three times per year, but this is the first time playing any rugby here".

The winger turned out for the Blue Knights, met a number of rugby league and union players from many different backgrounds and enjoyed the experience immensely.

The Blue Knights came back from 22-10 down at halftime to win 38-34.

"It was a real pleasure to play alongside local and overseas players at last night's game, and to see some really talented players", said Darren.

After first watching the Malta vs Ukraine game at Marsa in 2018, to seeing where the squad and game is now, is impressive".

Darren recommended the experience to anybody that's ever thought about it, adding: "It’s a welcoming, close squad and I recommend anyone that’s thinking about playing to grab your boots and get stuck in".

Malta has never been ranked as high in a team sport as its national rugby league team was ranked as recently as 2022 when it was ranked number 10 in the mens international rankings.

Rugby League was first played in Malta in 2005.