Italian rugby preseason and URC campaign start

Italian rugby franchises Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma transitioned from preseason preparations to the start of their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) campaigns.

In early September, the two teams played a preseason friendly at Monigo Stadium that ended in a 21-21 draw. Following the match, Benetton staff noted the team was still in a conditioning phase but showed positive movement from new players.

As the official URC season commenced in late September, Benetton Rugby faced the Welsh Dragons at Stadio Monigo. This match marked the debut of new head coach Wayne Pivac and featured a starting lineup including new additions François Mey and Matias Medrano. Benetton established a commanding 19-7 lead in the first half with tries from Mey, Bautista Bernasconi, and Ignacio Mendy. However, the Dragons mounted a second-half comeback through tries from Fine Inisi and Elliot Dee, alongside the kicking of Tinus de Beer. A late attempt by de Beer to secure a victory struck the upright, resulting in a 19-19 draw.

Following the opener, debutant Matias Medrano noted the team’s strong scrum performance in the first half but emphasized the necessity to “maintain intensity and improve defensive work to grow throughout the season.”

Ahead of the season, Benetton also inaugurated the Benetton Rugby Heritage project to honor players who have represented the franchise since 1932.

Simultaneously, Zebre Parma prepared to host the South African Bulls at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. This fixture featured the home debut of Tommaso Allan and the captaincy of Alessandro Fusco, with Leonard Krumov reaching a milestone of 150 appearances. The squad also includes new signing Zane Bester, on loan from the Griquas, following a period of roster strengthening for the Parma-based side.