Andorra Rugby Falls 24-44 to Malta After Halftime Lead in Conference Group D Clash

Andorra's rugby team lost 24-44 to Malta at the Estadi Nacional on Saturday in a crucial Men's Conference 2025-26 group D match, relinquishing a halftime lead during a dominant second-half display by the visitors.

The Isards showed promise early on. Malta struck first in the 21st minute with a penalty try and conversion for a 0-10 lead. Andorra responded through Martí Casals' try at the 30-minute mark, followed by a conversion to narrow the gap to 7-10. Despite another Maltese penalty making it 7-13, a collective team effort—converted by captain Adrià Bonell—flipped the score to 14-13. However, with seven minutes of added time and Andorra down to 14 players after Fede Aguiar's yellow card, Malta scored and converted a late try to lead 20-14 at the break.

The restart proved decisive. Malta opened with another penalty try for 27-14, then capitalized on Andorran errors to extend the lead to 32-17, 39-17, and 44-17. Martí Casals added a second try late on, with Adrià Casals also crossing for a consolation score, but the damage was done.

The defeat leaves Andorra with one win—a 21-10 victory over Cyprus—and one loss in the group. Promotion chances now hinge on Malta's remaining fixtures and the resolution of a postponed Cyprus match, though hopes appear slim. The Isards sit second in the group.

Malta's physicality overwhelmed Andorra's speed-based approach, as Bonell had anticipated beforehand. He had called for dynamic play to avoid a war of attrition and urged fans to pack the stadium for home advantage. Key absences included Galdric Calvet, sidelined by a head injury, according to Andorran Rugby Federation president Albert Calvo. Carlos "Chaquito" Fernández made his senior debut in the closing stages, amid the federation's push to build a stronger base and elevate competitiveness for the next generation.

The match followed a 0-0 draw with San Marino and confirmed Malta and Gibraltar as group foes after playoffs, with further games scheduled for September, October, and November.