ITALY’S PREPARATIONS FOR the Rugby World Cup have hit a worrying early roadblock after the Azzurri’s players went on strike in relation to financial bonuses for the global tournament.
The FIR [Federazione Italiana Rugby] this afternoon announced that it has acknowledged the players’ concerns over a bonus system that would reward a strong overall performance at the World Cup with a pre-agreed fee.
It is understood the Italian players’ preference is for match-by-match payments.
FIR president Alfredo Gavazzi says the governing body remains confident that “common sense will prevail” as the players and administration come to an agreement, but for now the Italians’ pre-World Cup camp has been delayed.
Indeed, the FIR says it has already made a “final proposal” to the players.
Having convened in Villabassa in northern Italy over the weekend, training was set to commence under head coach Jacques Brunel this morning. However, the Italian players called a “rally” last night, according to the FIR, where they stated their unwillingness to train or wear any FIR kit until an economic agreement is reached.
Captain Sergio Parisse was not present in Villabassa for last night’s meeting, having helped Stade Français to Top 14 final success against Clermont on Saturday evening in Paris.
Italy are scheduled to play World Cup warm-up games against Scotland at home and away in August, while they also face Wales in Cardiff early in September.
Brunel’s men are part of Pool D at the World Cup alongside Ireland, France, Romania and Canada. Italy take on Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in London on 4 October.
“I am disappointed by the attitude taken by the athletes,” said president Alfredo Gavazzi in the FIR statement, “not so much for the situation, but because this decision denotes unwillingness to invest in their own sporting ability.
The offer that was presented is consistent with the our current positioning [15th in the world] and with the agreements between the athletes and the Tier 1 unions closest to us in the rankings.
“I remain confident that, as always, common sense will prevail and, together we can turn the situation around ahead of important fixtures in the future.”
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)