Italy

Sergio Parisse is back in the Italian squad ahead of the November test series. The Argentine-born Azzurri captain did not accompany new coach Conor O’Shea on Italy’s tour to the Americas in June, opting instead to rest with his workload being carefully managed in order to prolong his international career …

Japan 2019 will be the ninth Rugby World Cup. It will be the first of a kind though as Asia and the Tier 2 both have their first opportunity. Where to from there? The answer is France, Ireland, or South Africa. The three options for 2023 are a return to …

Argentine Head Coach Daniel Hourcade has slammed World Rugby’s 3-year residency rule. The man who took Argentina to fourth in a world a year ago has spoken out against what he deems to the be “misuse” of laws. It follows the confirmation that World Rugby will be setting up an …

San Francisco Rush standout Bill Fukofuka has been selected to the Tongan national side for their November test series. Now returned to the Southland Stags in the Mitre 10 Cup, the 21-year-old loose forward is one of 10 uncapped players named in the 30-strong group by head coach Toutai Kefu. …

In a stunning move the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has terminated its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023. The decision was taken by the FIR and the Promoting Committee following consultation with the Italian Government and the Italian Olympic Committee. “Our candidature has always been strictly connected to the …

On this day in 2015 Canada pushed Italy to the limit. The Rugby World Cup 2015 match in Leeds, England saw Italy coming out 23-18 winners. With professional rugby Canada could be expected to win such close matches in the future. For both sides a loss would spell elimination at …

Guinness Pro 12 club Zebre have unveiled the arrival of a new Argentine player. 21-year-old uncapped Serafin Bordoli has joined the Italian city-side from Olivos in Buenos Aires. It was playing in the URBA Top 14 that caught the attention of Zebre. He has played more than 50 matches for …

World Rugby must act to change player eligibility rules immediately. It cannot allow for test match rugby to be tarnished any further. The sport is under attack at the highest level as unions are using the laws to their advantage to identity talent and nationalize players to, within three years, have …

Hosting a Rugby World Cup is something unions, supporters and players alike all dream of. For some the opportunity has already been realized. For others it is being mapped out as a futuristic goal. Argentina, Canada and the USA are all such instances. For 2023 none are bidding, with the …

PRO Rugby year one is in the books. The Denver Stampede are inaugural champions, lifting the unnamed trophy, and the verdict from American fans is unanimous – they want more. More teams, more players, more games, more exposure. It’s onwards and upwards from here. Before we look at where things …