|
NEWS HEADLINES
↓ WHAT'S INSIDE
|
|
|
|
|
Home » Sport » Article
|
Go back |
|
|
Curtain-raiser proposal for rugby league minnows
|
Printable version |
| By Damir Govorcin
30 July, 2006 |
 |
| WORLD CUP TALKS: Italy A players, pictured here celebrating their Columbus Cup win over the USA Tomahawks at Marconi Stadium earlier this year, are hoping for an international contest tied to the rugby league World Cup. |
|
|
The Sydney-based Italian Rugby League is in discussions with the Rugby League International Federation to play an international cup competition as a curtain raiser to the main World Cup tournament to take place in Australia in 2008.
This would provide an opportunity for fledgling league nations like Italy, Malta and Portugal that have not qualified to play in the main competition to still compete and expose their players on the world stage.
The Italians would be able to put together a formidable line-up, including NRL-based players Tony Grimaldi, Anthony Laffranchi, Rocky Trimarchi, Cameron Ciraldo, Luke Davico, Adam Capovilla, Daniel Sorbello and Grant Rovelli.
In the meantime they have been forced to postpone their international clash against Malta on October 10 at Marconi Stadium because of a lack of player availability.
Negotiations are still underway to have an under-17 development squad tour Queensland in September.
The Italians may be involved in a three team tournament including a NSW Rugby League and Brisbane based development squad.
Last month, the Italian Rugby League held the inaugural Simone Franchini Nines tournament in the town of Monselice, in the Veneto region in north-eastern Italy.
The tournament consisted of three teams from the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) and South Africa, one from France and Spain, and three sides from Italy. The overall winner was BARLA 1.
Italian Rugby League president Sam Sorrenti hailed the tournament a “success” and was impressed with the commitment of the Italian based players and attendance of the overseas teams.
Following the Nines tournament, the Italians played two internationals against South Africa, losing 76–6 and 60–20 respectively.
Next year it is anticipated there will be a round robin competition between four Italian rugby union clubs, who have expressed a desire to have their players participating in league coaching clinics and tournaments.
From those players an Italian representative team will be selected to play against other nations.
Italian official Mick Pezzano said: “It is hoped that at least two of the Italian-based players will then be selected and sponsored to come to Australia and spend a year with the Marconi Mustangs rugby league club to participate in training, playing and to complete the necessary Level One coaching certificate.
“After 12 months they will return to Italy and two new players will replace them on a player/cultural exchange system.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
