Kieran Crowley has announced 8 players are leaving Benetton Treviso, a list packed with experienced players including Dean Budd and Ian McKinley.
Dean Budd shed tears at Murrayfield when playing for Italy at the start of the 2019 Six Nations as it was the same day as his step-father's funeral in New Zealand.
Buoyed by their resilience in the 22-35 round two defeat to France in Paris, interim head coach Franco Smith has kept the faith with his starting XV.
New Azzurri boss Franco Smith has opted not to make wholesale changes following last weekend 42-0 beating at Wales.
Interim Azzurri boss Franco Smith has pulled a surprise by including an uncapped lock who has featured in the local Italian league this season for Petrarca.
Owen Franks and Matt Proctor have made winning starts to their Northampton Saints’ careers.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen hailed his returning international contingent after their 33-19 bonus point victory over Benetton Rugby in their Heineken Champions Cup Pool One opener.
The Irish province got their latest Champions Cup campaign up and running against an easy on the eye Benetton on a day of mixed emotions for one family in D4.