Italian rugby development and domestic competition

The Italian rugby landscape continues to evolve through international engagement, grassroots development, and the commencement of domestic club competitions.

On the international level, the Italian national team is strengthening regional ties, with the Friuli Venezia Giulia region set to host a 2026 Nations Championship match between Italy and Fiji in Udine. National head coach Gonzalo Quesada has also been touring regions like Sardinia to engage youth players, describing local clubs as the “essential foundation” for growth.

Domestically, the 2026/2027 season is underway. In the Serie A Élite, recent results have seen significant upsets, most notably Fiamme Oro defeating defending champions Valorugby Emilia 10-7 in Rome. Other opening victories include Rugby Rovigo securing a 30-21 win over Rugby Viadana and Petrarca Rugby defeating Rangers Rugby Vicenza. Mogliano Veneto and Lyons Piacenza have also completed their initial fixtures.

Activity is expanding in lower tiers. Rugby Bergamo 1950 has returned to the Serie A championship after 35 years, facing Rugby Monferrato. Unione Rugbistica Anconitana continues its debut season with a women’s squad in Serie A and a men’s team in Serie C. Additionally, Arieti Rugby has begun its Serie C campaign with an away match against Civitavecchia Rugby.

In the Serie A championship, Valpolicella Rugby opened their campaign with a 15-6 away victory against Rugby Feltre, utilizing disciplined play and penalty kicks to control the tempo. In another fixture, Rugby Rovato secured a 30-26 comeback win against Stade Valdôtain. Despite the defeat, Stade Valdôtain earned two points in the standings through offensive and defensive bonuses.