Italian Rugby Federation Set To Become A Shareholder Of Celtic Rugby
The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and PRO14 Rugby have announced that an agreement in principle will see the FIR become a shareholder of Celtic Rugby in the coming year.
Not only will this ensure that two Italian teams will compete in the GUINNESS PRO14 until 2023, it also provides commitments around increased funding and upgrading of facilities for the clubs (Benetton Rugby and Zebre Rugby Club).
Subject to the FIR fulfilling certain conditions, this new deal will represent a significant step forward for both Italian rugby and PRO14 Rugby and lays out a pathway to build upon the recent success of Benetton Rugby and Zebre in the GUINNESS PRO14.
FIR President Alfredo Gavazzi said: “Being part of GUINNESS PRO14 is crucial to continue increasing the strength of elite rugby in Italy, and we are thrilled to be joining PRO14 Rugby on the same footing as our partners. Right from the very start of my first stint as FIR President, I underlined that the ambition of becoming a legitimate partner was vital, and I’m glad we’ve finally achieved it.
“I’d wish to thank Martin (Anayi) and his organization for strongly believing in Italian Rugby and I’m sure that this new deal will give a further boost to our participation, on and off the field.”
Martin Anayi, PRO14 Rugby CEO, commented: “Over the past three years the GUINNESS PRO14 has been transforming on and off the pitch and all of our stakeholders have played a key role in this success. Italian Rugby has always offered great potential, but now in the past 12 months we have seen tangible signs of that with both Benetton Rugby and Zebre enjoying record-win seasons in the PRO14 last season.
“I give great credit to Alfredo and the FIR for recruiting Conor O’Shea as national coach and his staff to drive up standards on the playing side and we have already seen the evidence of his influence at club level. Our Championship needs 14 strong teams to ensure that we continue to offer exciting and competitive rugby to our supporters.
“To see the FIR and its clubs begin to realise their ambitions is very encouraging and, from that point of view, it is only right that they should become a partner alongside the Welsh, Scottish and Irish Unions.”
Celtic Rugby DAC is the organisation responsible for running and operating the GUINNESS PRO14 Championship and is owned equally by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The board of Celtic Rugby DAC is made up of representatives from the IRFU, SRU, WRU, ProRugby Wales, the FIR and the South African Rugby Union.