Italian sides will play in Magners League next season

TWO Italian teams will play in an englarged Magners League next season, it was announced today.

Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby will join the existing 10 Scottish, Welsh and Irish sides to contest the 2010/11 title.

The long-awaited decision brings to an end speculation over the future structure of the league.

David Jordan, director of Celtic Rugby, said: "This is another massive step forward for the Magners League.

"As well as providing more fixtures for the teams already involved this will also bring both a major cash injection into the competition and greater exposure across Europe.

"Operationally it will present new challenges, as well as opportunities, but by introducing Italy into the Celtic fold it will also dramatically broaden the appeal of our product.

"It is anticipated that the Italian super clubs will be largely made up of Italian internationals of full, A and under-20 levels, with a sprinkling of top class overseas players set to provide further extra strength and spice to the tournament."

Benetton Treviso will compete as a stand-alone team; Aironi Rugby will be an amalgamation of players from Viadana, Rugby Parma, Gran Parma, Colorno, Noceto, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Mantova.

Giancarlo Dondi, President of Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), said: "I am sure that the Magners League will bring benefits to all Italian rugby and will have a positive impact on the competitiveness of our national team."