# Italian rugby development and domestic competition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-rugby-development-and-domestic-competition > Updated: 2026-09-23T07:51:02.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Italian rugby landscape is seeing simultaneous focus on international engagement, grassroots development, and the commencement of domestic club competitions. On the international and regional level, the Italian national team is working to strengthen regional ties. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region is scheduled to host a Nations Championship 2026 match between Italy and Fiji in Udine. To support this, local authorities have invested significant funds into sports infrastructure. Additionally, national head coach Gonzalo Quesada has been touring regions like Sardinia to engage with youth players, emphasizing that local clubs are the “essential foundation” for the sport’s growth. Domestically, the A Elite and Coppa Italia seasons are beginning. While some clubs, such as Viadana, noted they are participating in the Coppa Italia only because they are “obbligati da regolamento” (obligated by regulation), the league is seeing various strategic shifts. These include roster reinforcements, such as Viadana signing Uruguayan captain Lucas Bianchi, and clubs like Petrarca focusing on new cycles of young talent. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Italian rugby clubs prepare for A Elite and Coppa Italia season Italian rugby clubs prepare for the A Elite and Coppa Italia season, with Viadana signing Lucas Bianchi and treating their opening cup match as a preparation test. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-rugby-clubs-prepare-for-a-elite-and-coppa-italia-season ### 2026-09-21: Italian rugby strengthens regional ties and grassroots development The Italian national rugby team is expanding its reach through international matches in Friuli Venezia Giulia and grassroots engagement tours led by head coach Gonzalo Quesada in Sardinia. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-rugby-strengthens-regional-ties-and-grassroots-development --- Cite as: Italian rugby development and domestic competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-rugby-development-and-domestic-competition