Italy threaten to pull out of Rugby World Cup

ITALY have threatened to withdraw from this year’s rugby World Cup on the basis that they are being unfairly treated.

The Italians believe they have been given an unacceptable short straw in relation to the time difference between games in Pool D of the competition a group that involves a punishing programme against teams like New Zealand, Wales and Canada.

Italy protested several months ago at the fact that they would have to play four games inside a fortnight, while New Zealand were down to play the same number of games in 25 days, while Wales had 22 and Canada 18.

This week the Italian Rugby Federation were told there was no chance of the schedule being changed.

But coach John Kirwan is determined that the Italians should not be treated unfairly. The New Zealander has the full backing of the Italian Federation who have indicated they may boycott the tournament unless there is seen to be fair play.

The Italians say three-day rest period between matches is completely unjustified when other teams in the same group have a week to recover in some instances.

Meanwhile, France was yesterday celebrating its victory in the bidding to host the 2007 Rugby World Cup. France skipper Fabien Galthie summed up the mood, describing the success as "a fabulous breath of fresh air for our sport".

Galthie, due to retire after October's World Cup in Australia, said: "I hope people will discover some of the great values associated with the sport and if French society can inspire itself from our unity that will be good."

France coach Bernard Laporte laid credit for the success at the doorstep of French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Bernard Lapasset.

"We have to congratulate the FFR, and president Lapasset in the first place," said Laporte. "This is fantastic for French rugby, not only for the French team."

Asked whether he still hoped to be at the helm when the tournament is contested, Laporte said: "This is not the debate. But even if this is not me in four years' time, I will fully back up the French team's new coach."

Team manager Jo Maso was equally elated, again hailing Lapasset's role.

"This World Cup was like a baby he (Lapasset) had been carrying. Now we have four years to make sure that everything will be perfect said Maso.