Relegation returns to Italian Serie A Elite League

The Federation of Italian Rugby (FIR) have confirmed the structure of its male and female leagues, including the participating teams, with promotion and relegation between the top two divisions restored after a one-year moratorium.

When Colorno withdrew from the 10-team Serie A Elite League at the start of March after running into financial difficulties, their results were expunged and relegation was suspended for the 2025/26 season, leaving the remaining teams safe.

Champions Valorugby Emilia and Grand Final runners-up Rugby Petrarca will be joined once again by Rugby Rovigo Delta, Rugby Viadana 1970, Fiamme Oro Rugby Roma, Mogliano Veneto Rugby, Rugby Vicenza 2025, ASD Rugby Lyons and Biella Rugby Club, with Parabiago Rugby completing the line-up.

Lombardy outfit Parabiago won promotion to the top flight for the first time in history when they beat Torino 21-17 in a tense Serie A Championship Grand Final at the end of May.

As was the case in 2025/26, the top four teams at the end of the regular season, which runs from October 17 to May 1, will face each other in the semi-finals. The winners will then compete in the final on June 2.

The last-placed team will be relegated into the Serie A Championship, which includes some famous names, such as Parma, Calvisano, Viadana, Roma Olympique and L’Aquila.

The second-tier Men’s Serie A Championship is split into four groups with 12 teams in each.

Valsugana Rugby Padova, Rugby Forum Iulii, Unione Rugby Capitolina, CUS Milano Rugby, CUS Torino, ArredissimA Villorba, Benetton Rugby and Volvera Rugby have been confirmed as the eight participating teams in the women’s Serie A Elite competition, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.

The new Italian domestic rugby season will officially kick off on September 12 with the Men’s Super Cup, a trophy pitting Italian champions and Coppa Italia holders Valorugby Emilia against Petrarca, finalists in both events.