FIR President Giancarlo Dondi has stood by Azzurri coach Nick Mallett despite another win-less Six Nations campaign © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Magners League | Magners League

Teams: Italy

In the wake of Celtic Rugby's decison to invite two Italian sides to join the Magners League from the 2010-11 season, the focus has now switched to which existing sides or new teams will carry their country's hopes into the tournament.

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) were informed last week that the Celtic Rugby Board had agreed in principle to expand the Magners League competition, that currently features ten teams from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as long as certain logistical and commercial criteria are met. The decision has been welcomed by Giancarlo Dondi, FIR President, who believes it will ensure the sport continues to develop in the country.

"We are extremely delighted to be part of a such a competitive tournament," commented Dondi. "We know this is a huge step in the developement of rugby in our country and I believe our participation in the Celtic League is just as important as the inclusion of our national team in the Six Nations."

The Italian rugby supremo is under pressure to reverse the fortunes of the Azzurri after another disappointing Six Nations that saw them collect the Wooden Spoon for the seventh time in ten years. The side were also subjected to boos from the normally loyal Rome crowd following the ugly loss to Ireland at the Flaminio Stadium earlier this month.

Dondi was even forced into a public apology to the fans after another harsh lesson at the hands of France who thrashed them by a record 50-8 margin in their final Championship clash of the year. But Dondi is confident that the Magners League decision will give the sport a much-needed boost.

"We'll join the Magners League with a low profile but we are aware that it's a huge victory for us," he said. "We will finally have the chance to let our top players and prospects play at an international level on a regular basis. It will help us to become more competitive at every level and we will certainly see some better results reflected in the Six Nations in the years to come."

The battle for the two spots offered for the 2010-11 season has already begun with clubs and politicians pushing their respective cases.

"The Celtic Board's decision is not the end of a road but the beginning of a new mission," said Dondi. "Italian rugby must now demonstrate we have the strength and power to be a part of the game and we must show unity in the formation of our two representatives."

But sadly, Dondi's words appear to have fallen in deaf ears amongst the Italian rugby fraternity.

At present, two proposals have been received from franchises based in Rome. The first has been tabled by three elite clubs - Rugby Rome (Super 10), UR Capitolina (Super 10) and Lazio Rugby (Serie A). The second has been put forward by a fourth division president who has the significant backing of the Rugby L'Aquila.

The two requests for one spot is not an ideal scenario for the FIR but thankfully there are two other very good contenders for a franchise.

The first has been called Aironi Rugby and is a joint venture by Super 10 sides Rugby Viadana, Rugby GRAN Parma, two other Second Division clubs and, to be confirmed soon, Italian Cup winners Rugby Parma. This powerful unit covers a huge geographical area and large amount of supporters and most importantly offers huge economic potential.

The other strong candidate is Dogi (a name based on an old Italian invitational club akin to the Barbarians) that will reportedly be based in the Veneto area of the country. Super 10 sides Rovigo, Padua, Venezia have already pledged their support and it's been rumored that the powerful Benetton Treviso side will join them. If the latter club, that contested this season's Heineken Cup, joins the others they will become favourites to secure one of the franchises. The backing of the international fashion group Benetton and one of the most densely-populated rugby areas of the country are likely to cement their claims.

Another contender is a proposal from a team based in Brescia, supported by ex-FIR vice president Alfredo Gavazzi, although it is considered to have little chance.

Dondi has a clear view about the future of professional rugby in Italy that will see the Six Nations matches remain in Rome and two other cities given the opportunity to grow and prosper within club rugby. And if Parma and Treviso confirm their respective interest in joining the battle for a valuable franchise then the two clubs to enter the Magners League will no doubt be Aironi and Dogi.