Italy’s World Cup preparations got off on the wrong foot on Monday, when players refused to take part in the 1st training session in a row over pay.
The Italian Rugby Federation said it had “taken note” of the players’ decision “to neither take part in training nor wear federation kit before a financial agreement is found over participation in training and the World Cup”.
40 Players had gathered at Niederdorf / Villabassa, close to the northern town of Bolzano, for the 14 June to 3 July training camp.
However, captain Sergio Parisse and veteran prop Martin Castrogiovanni were both absent after their Top 14 efforts with Stade Francais and Toulon respectively.
The Italian internationals want a match-by-match bonus for the 18 September to 31 October World Cup in England instead of a once-off payment linked to their performances, as desired by the federation.
Italy, coached by Frenchman Jacques Brunel, have further training camps in L’Aquila (12 – 25 July) and then Fiuggi, near Rome (2 – 9 August).
Italy warm up for the World Cup with Tests against Scotland (22 August and 29 August) in Turin and Edinburgh respectively, and against Wales (5 September) in Cardiff.
Come 18 September, the Italians are in Pool D alongside France, Ireland, Canada and Romania.
rugby365