Six Nations Rugby 2011

Rugby International Championship

The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of Italy in the sport of rugby union. The team is also known as the Azzurri -the Blues. Italy have been playing international rugby since the late 1920s, and today are considered to be in the top tier of European rugby and compete annually in the Six Nation Championship with Wales, England, France and Ireland. Italy have also competed at every Rugby World Cup since the first tournament in 1987, but have yet to progress beyond the first round.

Their best showing thus far has been in 2003 and 2007 where they managed two wins during the pool stages.
The first match played by an Italian XV was in 1911 between US Milanese and Voiron of France. On July 25 of the same year the “Propaganda Committee” was formed which in 1928 became the Federazione Italiana Rugby(FIR).

In May 1929, Italy played their first international losing 9-0 against Spain in Barcelona. After the formation of FIR in 1934, which brought together the national teams of Italy,France, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Germany.

Fans flock to Rome’s Stadio Flaminio every year for matches in Rugby Union’s Six Nations Championship.

The visitors in 2011 – Ireland, Wales and France – have each won a recent Grand Slam, so will prove to be tough opposition. Last year, Ireland ended a 61-year wait for a “Grand Slam” with its championship that also was a “Triple Crown.”

What’s gonna be like this year? Rome’s Stadio Flaminio is the splendid venue for this Six Nations Championship game where Italy provide the opposition for an Irish side which is expected to do well in 2011.This is also a unique opportunity to see and enjoy Rome – the Eternal City.