Mallett asks for help in shaping Azzurri future

ITALY coach Nick Mallett believes the country’s rugby federation and its two Magners League franchises need to work together to help the national team improve.

Italy host Ireland in their Six Nations opener at the Stadio Flaminio having never beaten their opponents in the competition.

Everyone agrees that having Treviso and Aironi in the Magners League this season has helped the national team move forwards but Mallett is still frustrated by both sides picking foreigners in crucial positions such as the half-back pairing.