Italian rugby side Benetton's inclusion in the Pro14 was secured until '23.GETTY IMAGES
The future of Italian rugby clubs Benetton and Zebre in the Pro14 was "secured for another five years," according to Duncan Smith of the SCOTSMAN. It was announced on Monday that the Italian Rugby Federation "agreed in principle" to become a shareholder of Celtic Rugby, the body which runs the cross-border competition, in the coming year. A statement from the Pro14 said that the deal will "secure Italian representation in the competition" until '23 and provide commitments "around increased funding and upgrading of facilities for the clubs." Italian clubs were introduced to the Celtic competition of Irish, Welsh and Scottish clubs in '10, with Treviso, which is now named Benetton, and Aironi the first representatives. The introduction of two South African sides, Cheetahs and Southern Kings, to the new Pro14 last season and talk of further expansion "had increased doubt about the Italians' future," but the organization has backed the teams, which have shown "notable improvement" this season (SCOTSMAN, 10/9).
