Prague today plays host to the kick off of the 2010 European Shield with the Czech Republic entertaining Serbia at Praslavice.

The six team competition, split into two divisions for east and west, Germany making up the trio of hopefuls for the west while the Ukraine, Russia and Latvia vie for the Eastern crown.

Next week in Belgrade, the Germans take on Serbia.

Malta boasts its own representation with Anthony Micallef acting as the competition's Tournament Director and overseeing operations for Europe's third tier of international rugby league competition.

Malta, who won the 2010 European Bowl with their 30-20 victory against Norway last month, are looking to be elevated to the European Shield for 2011.

Full draw for the 2010 European Shield is as follows:

RLEF European Shield East
Russia v Ukraine
Latvia v Russia
Ukraine v Latvia

RLEF European Shield West
Czech Republic v Serbia
Serbia v Germany
Germany v Czech Republic

World Rankings of European Shield participating nations is as follows:

Malta is ranked 27 in the world.

For more information, visit www.rlef.eu.com