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Italy consider Magners plea

Wednesday 03rd December 2008

Nick Mallett: Concerned at Italian League foreign influx

The Italian rugby federation is considering regionalisation of some of its teams along lines similar to Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and attempting to join the Magners League.

The move comes as the national side's development appears to have ground to a halt, with a winless November after Tests against Argentina, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The Italian rugby federation and clubs in the existing Super 10 league will meet next Wednesday and on Dec. 19 to discuss the proposal and other ideas, with the low level of rugby in the Super 10, as well as the number of Italian players abroad, blamed for November's poor showing.

"To modify what we have at present, you need good sense. Everyone will have to give up something for the good of the group," federation president Giancarlo Dondi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

The call for regional teams in the Magners League was echoed by Italy coach Nick Mallett in the columns of the Irish Independent on Wednesday.

"The standard of club rugby is just not good enough and, unfortunately, Italy have got a system where they allow a lot of overseas players to play in Italy," Mallett said.

"There can be seven or eight overseas players on the field at one time and they are often in key positions.

"Treviso played against Leicester and lost by 60 points at home and only five of their players qualified for Italy.

"If you're going to lose by 60 points, you might as well be Italian and learn from the experience. Italian rugby should try to take a decision to compete in the Magners League or Heineken Cup with a side that is predominantly Italian."