Overview
Parma – (Crociati and GranDucato Rugby) is the only city to have two teams. The majority of the other teams are either from Veneto or Lombardy in the North of Italy. Treviso, Viadana and Calvisano have dominated the championship in recent years but none now play in the top division.
Over time Italian rugby union has evolved; the clubs are better equipped, better organised and have begun to train their players better. There is more sponsorship money and an influx of foreign players (some of whom have gone on to represent Italy after qualifying under the 3 year rule). In 2005 the FIR decided to introduce a rule requiring teams to field at least 12 Italians out of their 22 man squad. This was an effort to counter the top Italian players often playing in France which means that the Italian league is not a particularly good place to build the national team.
Changes for 2008–2009 Rugby Calvisano were forced to pull out of the competition for the 09–10 season due to financial difficulties, setting up an amateur side in the Serie A. Roman clubs Capitolina and Futura Park Roma decided to combine and have also taken Calvisano's place in Europe due to their league position. These 2 clubs would also be the basis of the proposed new Magners League side, Praetorians Roma. L'Aquila and Prato were promoted from Serie A taking Calvisano's place and the spare Roman club's place.
Read more about this topic: National Championship Of Excellence