World Cup Qualifier – Round three Spain were right up against it. In the match that mattered most, they were meeting the hot favourites on their home ground, and their national anthem doesn’t allow them to let off steam with a good sing. Quins’ fans were delighted to learn that Giada Franco was playing for
There was huge tension surrounding the two test matches played out in Parma. Scotland and Ireland knew that a second successive loss would mean a sudden end to their World Cup hopes. In the first match the two teams lined up as a guard of honour for Sara Barattin who celebrated her 100th cap, the
This was the first of three sessions of double internationals to decide who goes through to the World Cup next year. Italy v Scotland The Azzurre began as they did against England in the Six Nations, dominating most phases of play. inside a minute Scotland were pinged for holding on. The well-controlled rolling maul that
Andrea di Giandomenico, the head coach, has announced his squad to represent Italy in the World Cup qualifying tournament, to be held this month at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma. Manuela Furlan retains the captaincy. Sara Barattin is only two short of her 100th cap, so she could reach the mark in the second match of
On 16 July the Italian Rugby Union (FIR) announced its new plans for women’s club rugby next season. Daniele Pacini, the Technical Director, laid out the next steps towards building a thriving set of club competitions to raise Italy’s standing in world rugby. Six clubs will form an elite league (Group A) within Serie A,
Italy v Ireland; Scotland v Wales The clash of the two I’s in Dublin is hard to predict. Both sides have match-winners; both have shown flashes of outstanding form. Italy are full of confidence as they reach No 5 in world rankings, three places above the hosts. They may pay the penalty of surrendering home
Italy v England Nine tries to one looks like a cake-walk. Then you hear Simon Middleton confess: ‘We didn’t create a single chance in the first half.’ For the first quarter Italy were all over England, leading to string of penalties that were No 1 on the visitors’ banned list. The Azzurre had the misfortune
Significant changes here. Three regulars, Stefan, Rigoni and Bettoni, find themselves on the bench as Di Giandomenico widens his search for new faces. He juggles the numbers among the backs where the skipper, Furlan, finds herself back on the wing, Magatti shifting to centre. Ostuni Minuzzi, another 21st century addition to the Azzurre, maintains her
Andrea Di Giandomenico has announced 26 names for the squad to take on England on Saturday 10 April: Ilaria ARRIGHETTI (Stade Rennais, France, 45 caps) Sara BARATTIN (Arredissima Villorba, 95 caps) Melissa BETTONI (Stade Rennais, France, 58 caps) Lucia CAMMARANO (Rugby Belve Neroverdi, 24 caps) Alyssa D’INCA (Arredissima Villorba, uncapped) Giordana DUCA (Valsugana Rugby Padova,
Allianz Premier 15s Two more catch-up games played over the weekend brought the league nearly up-to-date. Only Wasps’ visit to Durham waits till 3 April. Both games reached their expected conclusions, Gloucester-Hartpury trouncing DMP Durham Sharks, and Sarries seeing off a spirited Sale side that posted one of the larger totals against the champions, 18
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