Italian contingent homeward bound

[Sam W]

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 92,00.html

With the inclusion of an Italian "super-team" in the Magners League, the return of Italian players back home can only help Italy in the long run- hopefully with a little more exposure in Italy and a better youth system, this will see the ball running for Italy's strength on the international scene; and this can only be a good thing for them and the competitiveness of the 6 nations.
Good on 'em!

[jack]

Surely Castro would not contemplate this.

Like Geordan, who has had many overtures made to him, WE are his rugby club!

[Sam W]

I can't see him going back, as they'll likely have a pretty solid front five anyway- would be good to see either the Bergamascos or Parrise head back though, they could really make the team competitive

[kingol22]

if castro leaves fans will be devastated. i dont know what would be worse losing moody or losing castro.

[me2]

Easy: Castro!

Castro is not regularly out injured for a start.

[sam16111986]

Thats some seriously good players on that shopping list. About time an Italian team came packing a proper Italian front five. I hope they get the big names of Canale and Parisse as they'll allow the team alot more dynacism. Anyone know who the half backs will be?

[kingol22]

will this italian super team be playing in europe or will it remain as viadana and treviso who compete in europe?

[Sam W]

will this italian super team be playing in europe or will it remain as viadana and treviso who compete in europe?

I have absolutely no idea. I assume as they're going to be a team in the Magner's league, there's every possibility that they'll compete together in the HC just as the other regions do

[Bill W (2)]

will this italian super team be playing in europe or will it remain as viadana and treviso who compete in europe?

They will play in the Magners and hence be guarranteed a place in Europe.

[kingol22]

so in 3 or 4 years time the heineken cup will be full of competitive teams and the days of having an italian side in your pool and a guaranteed 10 points could be over. I dare say they could get to the semis or further in the first few years if they get the players they want.

[Sam W]

Depends on what coaching and facilities they'll be training with- but it certainly looks promising!

[Rizzo]

Remember Castro has a business in Leicester.

[Scuba Steve]

Just hope they dont go down the path of saying "you have to be playing in or for an Italian team to get into the national side'' as to lure the big names back

[4071]

Easy: Castro!

Castro is not regularly out injured for a start.

Uh-huh...

Appearances over the last 3 seasons

2007/8 (38 games)
Castrogiovanni - 20 (15 starts)
Moody - 20 (19 starts)

2008/9 (36 games)
Castrogiovanni - 16 (8 starts)
Moody - 14 (10 starts)

2009/10 (30 games so far)
Castrogiovanni - 16 (12 starts)
Moody - 17 (15 starts)

TOTAL (104 matches)
Martin 'Not Injured' Castrogiovanni - 52 games, 35 starts
Lewis 'Always Broken' Moody - 51 games, 44 start

[me2]

2007/8 (38 games)
Castrogiovanni - 20 (15 starts)
Moody - 20 (19 starts)


http://www.leicestertigers.com/squad/pl ... ef=dynamic

2007/8, according to this very website, Moody only made SEVEN appearances for Tigers (all starts), not 20 as you suggest.


REVISED TOTAL (104 matches)
Martin 'Not Injured' Castrogiovanni - 52 games, 35 starts
Lewis 'Always Broken' Moody - 38 games, 32 starts

ie 37% more appearances for Castro! As props generally need rotating more than back row forwards the start:appearances ratio for Castro doesn't surprise me.