Hull’s Mark Minichiello, who recently announced his retirement from the club game after an illustrious career, has been named in Italy’s train on squad for the forthcoming final European qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. The Azzurri are in pool A with Ireland and Spain, the top two nations going through. Milano Mustangs in the Italian domestic league…
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Malta will face Turkey for the first time and Italy this autumn, with both matches to be staged in Sydney. The Knights will come up against historic rivals Turkey at the New Era Stadium, Cabramatta on 26 October as part of the (Australian based heritage players) international weekend. Turkey head coach, Scott Hartas is hoping some big names will be…
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A brace of tries from loose forward Erica Neri and ten points via playmaker Rosaluna Gavagna, from a touchdown and three converstions, saw Italy’s women register their first home win, 26-0, against debutants Serbia, at Bella Italia EFA Village, Lignano Sabbiadoro. “I was very happy with our performance,“ said FIRL vice president, Tiziano Franchini. “In our last training sessions we…
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Eight nations will again contest the bienniel U19s European Championship in 2020, with Italy hosting the event for the first time. North East coastal city, Lignano Sabbiadoro will be the base for the event, which will take place from 3-13 September 2020. Reigning champions France, who won the last tournament – held in Serbia – go into it this year…
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Following the draw for the final European qualifying groups for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, undertaken Friday night by St Helens’ international stars Tommy Makinson, Regan Grace and Theo Fages, the dates for nest year’s fixtures have been confirmed. In a quirk of fate, the nations in group one (Italy, Ireland and Spain) have all faced each other before…
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Five match officials from across Europe joined the Rugby Football League’s full time match officials department, together with Australian Gerard Sutton ( who refereed two of the Tests between England and New Zealand), spending time experiencing a high-class performance environment. Ben Casty (France), Quentin Boissonnade (France), Guido Bonatti (Italy), Andrew Pilkington (Spain) and Jaroslav Bzoch (Czech Republic) were selected by…
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France held on to defeat England 26-24 at the Makis Stadium in Belgrade, despite being without three players, who had flown to England, to make their debuts for Super League’s Catalans Dragons. In a superb title decider, England staged a dramatic fightback when trailing 26-16, scoring the two late, unconverted tries which nevertheless left them unable to overcome the French.…
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Prior to the final round of matches, all eight nations involved in the U19 European Championships attended an embassy reception in Belgrade and spent time together, in the lead up to finals day tomorrow (Saturday). After beating Wales 48-4 in the semis, England take on France, who triumphed 38-6 over Scotland in the final. As the Welsh were swept aside,…
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The 19-man squads have been confirmed and all-neutral match officials announced, for the U19s European Championships semi finals and ranking matches. OFFICIALS – ROUND 2 FIXTURES SERBIA v UKRAINE 1400hrs Referee: Robin Hachache (LEB) Touch Judge: James Spencer (IRE) Touch Judge: Cameron Worsley (ENG) SERBIA: Jai Smith (Brothers, Queensland), Matthew Dragišić (Canberra Raiders), Veljko Stanković (Car Dušan Silni Paraćin), Ivan…
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In Budapest, the teams have begun arriving for the U19s European Championships due to start tomorrow (Sunday). Semi finals follow along with a rankings tournament, with the finals scheduled for 11th August at the Makis Stadium. All eight nations have now announced their initial match day squads. Late draftees Ukraine take on one of the favourites Wales. “The squad have…
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