Italian women's rugby faces funding and structural challenges as Linci Milano project stalls

Italian women's rugby is experiencing a downturn despite the national team's respectable results. Top players frequently move abroad, the domestic championship has lost quality, and historic clubs such as the Furie Rosse of Colorno have folded.

The Linci Rugby Club Milano project, run by Cus Milano, boasts the highest registration in the country with 200 girls, according to president Sergio Vicinanza: “ci sono 200 ragazze tesserate, il più alto numero in Italia.” However, the initiative has run into financial difficulties and tensions with the Italian Rugby Federation, limiting its ability to sustain growth.

Athletes emphasize the distinct approach of women's rugby, with Alice Margaret Ratcliff noting that determination drives them: “Se una donna brama qualcosa e le fai capire come ottenerla, non smetterà di impegnarsi finché non l’ha conquistata.” The sport’s development is seen as a way to broaden the market and attract new audiences, but entrenched male‑dominated structures continue to pose obstacles.