Magners League expands to include Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby
The Magners League will be expanded to 12 teams next season to include two Italian "super sides", Celtic Rugby announced this afternoon. The Welsh, Irish and Scottish unions agreed unanimously that Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby should join the competition as part of a four-year agreement. The decision ends a year-long study into the viability of expanding the competition.
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."
Aironi Rugby, which translates as Heron in English, will be comprised of players from Viadana, Rugby Parma, Gran Parma, Colorno, Noceto, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Mantova.
Giancarlo Dondi, president of Federazione Italiana Rugby, said: "I am very pleased that after months of intense negotiations an agreement that will see two Italian teams join the Magners League has been reached. 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."