The Federazione Italiana Rugby League has completed its junior development camps in the north-east of the country as they prepare to launch their first U18 club championship in June. National team coach Paul Broadbent and RLEF-trained coach tutors Kelly Rolleston and Tiziano Franchini again took charge following on from the initial camp, in the north-west, last month.

“It was very positive and exciting, with the enthusiasm for the U18 competition looking great,” said Broadbent, who has led on the planning, initiated two years ago. Over 70 players attended in three locations; Gemona, Este and Parma.

“We had an excellent turn-out, especially in Gemona, a new development area,” continued Broadbent. “Encouragingly, over half of all the boys we worked with have some experience of rugby league, which bodes really well for future development.”

The six-team U18 competition begins on 6 June. Champions Torino XIII will defend their crown with runners up NW Roosters joined by teams from Milan, Piacenza and Brescia. 

FIRL is still determining the format of a possible north-east division.