ITALY SET TO PLAY IN EURO CUP 2002

The Italian Rugby League is the latest nation to be sent an invitation to play in the Euro Cup to be held in Moscow and Kazan late next year.

The tournament is already gaining significant momentum and it will hopefully feature 12 nations from throughout Europe and the British Isles. National teams are to be selected from each countries domestic leagues as to provide fair competition. In time, with the development of these tournament and of certain countries with organisers keen to make it a fully fledged international event where each team is able to select there top possible side.

Although Italy does not have any domestic league as yet, exceptions would be made as well as Lebanon to start with, but as the code is established in their homeland, then the onus would be to select the team from that league.

Already television and print media have expressed a willingness to provide coverage for the event and it is the aim to make it a truly European event where every country is given access to watch, listen and read about games from the tournament. Sponsors are also being sought after and if the organisers are successful in gaining the services of a multi national organisation, then costs for each nation will be kept at an absolute minimum.

 The possibilities for Italy to make an impact on this competition would be quite high and you could even incorporate an exhibition game in Italy after the trip to Russia, which would be a tremendous way to continue spreading the word of rugby league. It is not sure when the comp will be held as yet, but preliminary dates have been set for August or September, although October could even be an option.

Teams already confirmed to participate are the following: Russia, Tartastan, Moldova, Ukraine, France and Yugoslavia. Both Ireland and Scotland are close to confirming their intentions of participating in the tournament. England, Wales and Lebabon have also been sent invitations with Kazakstan and Georgia to be sought after should any country not be able to make the trek.