Italy National Rugby Union Team
Home to some of Italy’s most renowned rugby talent, the Italy national rugby union team has been a firm fixture on the international playing field since 1929. Outside of the Five Nations Championship teams, Italy was long considered one of Europe’s fiercest competitors. It’s little wonder that Italy was elevated in status when the Five Nations became Six, pitting it against stalwarts like England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The team has earned a reputation as a consistent performer in matches, with the likes of Tommaso Allan, Tommaso Benvenuti and Givonabattista Venditti some of its top-performing players. If you’re looking to see your favourite players from the Italian peninsula go head to head with the competition, grab Italy Rugby Union tickets online today at StubHub.
Italy Rugby Union background and history
Although an Italian national rugby team has existed in some form or other since 1911, it wasn’t until 1929 that an Italian team first played in an international fixture. In May of that year, the team took on Spain on. Although the result was a disappointing loss for Italy, the team would later be accepted into FIRA in 1934, regularly pitting it against the likes of France, Spain, Romania, Germany and Czechoslovakia.
The onset of World War II might have put a temporary stop to the Italian rugby union, but when war subsided, the team came back all guns blazing. From the 1970s onwards, the team blazed ahead in the rankings thanks to the arrival of various foreign players and world-renowned coaches. Italy secured its first big win in a 1978 fixture against Argentina, walking away with a triumphant win of 19-6. The team fought hard for a place alongside other premier rugby teams in an expanded version of the popular Five Nations tournament, but it wasn’t until 2000 that it would see its wish granted.
A rugby union team on the rise
As of 2000, Italy remains a permanent member of the Six Nations. Their opening game was a legendary success for the team, with Italy defeating current champions Scotland in a 34-20 victory. A brief lull in performance followed, but the team regained its stride in the 2006 Six Nations Championship. The team continues to perform well in other tournaments internationally, with impressive performances in Rugby World Cups.
2016 would see another respectable year for the team, with victories against the United States, Canada and South Africa. Their first ever win against South Africa was also its first ever win against one of the big three Southern Hemisphere teams, catapulting its credibility to stratospheric levels. Make sure you don’t miss out on Italy’s next big win against the competition and grab Italy rugby union tickets at StubHub today.
Other must-see rugby teams
Once you’ve bought your Italy rugby union tickets online at StubHub, it’s time to start planning your next exciting excursion. Keep on top of all the action with your favourite Six Nations teams, whether you’re looking for England rugby union tickets, or want to see how the luck of the Irish works out with tickets with Ireland rugby union fixtures.
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