Micallef appointed to control international fixture in Albania

Maltese referee Anthony Micallef will take charge of the development international in Tirana today when hosts Albania meet the touring Great Britain Pioneers at Stadiumi Kamzes in the nation's capital. The match kicks off ar 15:30.

Originally from Sydney, the 37year-old coached the Malta national team from 2008 to 2015 with a win percentage of 60%.

Under Micallef's direction, the team celebrated memorable wins over the Czech Republic, Norway, Belgium and against Denmark to win the 2012 Dove+Men Care International Series.

As a match official, Micallef has officiated in Malta, England and the Czech Republic, while as a match official tutor, he has tutored in England, Czech Republic, Malta, Spain and Sweden.

Micallef officiated both of Malta's State of Origin fixtures in 2019 while previously controlling matches in Malta including the MRL Championship and those involving the Maltese national XIII against touring opposition.

One of Micallef's touch-judges on Saturday afternoon will be English referee Adam Johnson who will be in Tirana after himself controlling the Pioneers' first tour match against local club Klubi Regbise Tirana on Wednesday evening.

22-year-old Johnson made his National Conference League (NCL) refereeing debut earlier this season after being selected to touch judge the Super League Academy Grand Final last season between Wigan Warriors U19s and Leeds Rhinos U19s.