Germany and Malta have named their 19-man squads for the opening match of the 2026 European Championships as they face each other tomorrow (Saturday) in Euro C at Sportsplatz Welper, Hattingen (kick off 2pm local time).

It promises to be an intriguing match up, with the hosts promoted from last year’s Euro D against the nation relegated from Euro B. A good crowd is also expected with the fixture being played on Reunification Day, a public holiday in Germany.

Germany come in on the back of last month’s 28-14 away win against neighbours Netherlands in the Griffin Cup, with head coach Bob Doughton potentially handing Exiles’ Arron Williams a debut. As with all European Championships games this year, each nation must name 12 players from their domestic competition in their squad.

Doughton, commented: “There is a high degree of excitement amongst our squad about playing in Euro C. For the majority of our players it will be the first time at this level. We are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough match, both physically and mentally.”

Malta, who have included experienced campaigner Jarrod Sammut, have selected six potential debutants with Mark Friel, Chris Keating, Sam Khalifeh, Harold Sammut, Tomas Strickland and Willem Willemse all named. Mark Robertson will jet in from Perth, Australia for the fixture.

“Preparation for this camp has been very positive,” claimed Knights’ head coach, Kane Dimech. “There's been a lot of youth added domestically to help set the foundations for years to come, not just this comp. While last year was a disappointing championship for us, it taught us a lot about where we are as a team and where we need to progress.

“Tomas Strickland despite being uncapped, has led from the front, and a special mention to Anthony Micallef who stepped back from MRL after around 20 years of being its heart and soul. He has definitely left some big shoes to fill within the newly constructed backroom staff.”

Germany (squad): Benedikt ESSER, Timo SCHMIDT, Martin TORMANN, Fabian WIKANDER (Bocks), Jimmy ADAMS, Eoin BOWIE, Jay KAY, Josh MCCONNELL, Shaun SMITH, Arron Williams, George WOOD (German Exiles), Martin APOSTEL, Harry CARTWRIGHT (Panthers), Liam DOUGHTON, Sebastian PAASSEN, Angus RITZ-RAHMAN (Ritter), Linus KURZ, Mawuli AMEFIA, Felix RAU (Trouts)

Malta (squad): Josh GATT (Albi), Shaun CHIRCOP (Eastern Rhinos), Joseph BRIGGS (London Chargers), Mark FRIEL, Harold SAMMUT HENWOOD, James DONOVAN, Christopher KEATING, William WATTS, Willem WILLEMSE, Ethan XUEREB, Jean Pierre ZARB (Overseas RFC), Mark ROBERTSON (South Perth Lions), Xavier MAMO, Nicholas MAYLOR (Stompers RFC), Sam KHALIFEH (West Warriors), Tomas STRICKLAND (Wolves RFC), Zarrin GALEA (Workington Town), Robin CUTAJAR, Jarrod SAMMUT (unattached)