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RUGBY: Italian sides to join Magners League


Published on Monday 8 March 2010 17:26

THE Magners League will be expanded to 12 teams next season to include two Italian "super sides".

The Welsh, Irish and Scottish unions agreed unanimously that Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby should join the competition as part of a four-year agreement.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne said: "The inclusion of the two Italian sides for next season can only strengthen the competition into the future.

The Magners League has continually grown year on year in terms of attendances, viewership and standards during its lifetime and the news today certainly continues this progression.

"Ultimately what is good for the Magners League will be good for European rugby and also for the international game by bringing Italian rugby into the competition."

The decision ends a year-long study into the viability of expanding the competition.

David Jordan, director of Celtic Rugby, said: "This is another massive step forward for the Magners League.

"As well as providing more fixtures for the teams already involved this will also bring both a major cash injection into the competition and greater exposure across Europe.

"Operationally it will present new challenges, as well as opportunities, but by introducing Italy into the Celtic fold it will also dramatically broaden the appeal of our product.

"It is anticipated that the Italian super clubs will be largely made up of Italian internationals of full, A and under-20 levels, with a sprinkling of top class overseas players set to provide further extra strength and spice to the tournament."

Aironi Rugby, which translates as Heron in English, will be be comprised of players from Viadana, Rugby Parma, Gran Parma, Colorno, Noceto, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Mantova.

Giancarlo Dondi, President of Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), said: "I am very pleased that, after months of intense negotiations, an agreement that will see two Italian teams join the Magners League at the start of next season has been reached.

"I am sure that the Magners League will bring benefits to all Italian rugby and will have a positive impact on the competitiveness of our national team."

The inclusion of Italian sides continues the Magners League revamp, which began this season with a new play-off and Grand Final system to decide the champions.

"The implementation of the plays-offs and the Magners League Grand Final this season has already seen a marked improvement in the competitiveness of the League and the arrival of two Italian teams will provide another boost to the competition," Jordan added.


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