The pilot institution in the Italian rugby league’s new schools project commenced its rugby league training sessions this week. Since March, FIRL has been working with CFP Pavoni in Montagnana, 90km west of Venice, on a project intended to deliver youth rugby league to the region.

Marco Canova, the school’s sports master, was instrumental in the creation of the project, which begins with two classes from 15- to 18-year olds and will expand to include seven schools in the subsequent school year.  “I’m delighted with this link,” he said.  “We are already looking forward to expanding the project next year. The headmaster is very pleased about this kind of activity because it gives students a great sporting experience plus teaches rugby league’s core values. Our students had never touched a rugby ball...they put a lot of effort in to understand the game. During the sessions we saw real improvement in the core skills, which enabled us to play a full game. The students showed a lot of enthusiasm and they were eager for the physical contact - they loved it!”

FIRL official Tiziano Franchini, who led on the technical sessions, was equally pleased: ”FIRL is looking forward to continuing this project in the upcoming years. We have already set up Arieti Este RL club, which will participate in the Serie A championship. Working with these kids has been great as they showed a good attitude to learn and they were so passionate about the game.”

Italy will field a youth national team for the first time this year, with the under-18s set to play Germany under-18 as a curtain raiser to the European Shield match in Piacenza on 7 July.