Treviso to withdraw from Rabo PRO12 at end of season

Italian club Benetton Rugby have decided not to compete in the RaboDirect PRO12 after this season, citing the uncertainty of the tournament.

The Treviso-based club joined the three Celtic League countries in 2009 and their participation agreement ends this summer.

Benetton could join a competition which isexpected to be set up by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) which will involve an eight-team league in the country.

A statement from the club read: “Benetton Rugby from now on declares itself available to consider, and eventually participate, in future tournaments or games that the Italian Rugby Federation wishes to propose, once the RaboDirect PRO12 competition is defined.”

The Pro12 is to lose sponsors RaboDirect at the end of this campaign.