Good article on Italian rugby

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Here's a snippet:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Yet, mishaps notwithstanding, there is no doubting the seriousness of Italian rugby intentions. For example, FIR, recession times notwithstanding, has just set aside a €2.5 million budget for four live-in training "academies" for 120 under-18 and under-19 players. Based in northern and central Italy, these schools provide a preparation for would-be rugby professionals, comparable to that offered by youth team schemes at major Serie A soccer clubs. The players not only train five days per week but they also receive technical, tactical, medical and psychological instruction whilst they continue their school education.

Ascione, a Neapolitan who both played for and coached Naples team Partenope Rugby, bases his optimistic view of the future on some very realistic considerations. Last year, he says, Italy lost to England's Under-20 team by just six points and that notwithstanding the huge gulf in player numbers. Or look at it this way, he says, France joined the Five Nations in 1910 but did not actually win the tournament until 1955, adding: "We hope to do it much quicker than that."[/b]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/...3867936770.html

The article touches on the development of club rugby in Italy and the need to concentrate resources into a couple of teams among many other things. It's well worth a read.