Johnstone urged to recall Troncon
November 3, 2000

Italy coach Brad Johnstone is facing pressure from his players and officals to recall scrum-half and captain Alessandro Troncon to the side.

According to reports in Gazzetto dello Sport Johnstone is refusing to select Troncon although the player's team-mates and Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) president Giancarlo Dondi have made it clear they believe Troncon should be selected.

Troncon was initially dropped after pulling out of a summer tour to the South Pacific in favour of furthering his club season with French club Montferrand.

Troncon, aged 27 and with 51 caps for Italy, told the paper that he planned to watch the match in Rovigo from the stands, saying: "I hope to return for the Six Nations. I am ready. The FIR knows where to find me."

The player also thanked his team-mates for their public support with even the man handpicked to replace him as captain Alexander Stoica saying: "When you are taking on the big teams you go with your best players. The national team can not do without Troncon. We want Tronky to return."

Dondi revealed he too sympathised with the player, saying: "If it was down to me Troncon would already be back in the national team.

"But Johnstone does not want to know. I am convinced that - even if he does not play in these three games (with Canada, Romania and New Zealand) that he will be recalled for the Six Nations."

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices