The Italy national rugby league team represents Italy in international rugby league football. The team dates back from the 1950s after the formation of a domestic competition in the country, and in the 1960s they played Australia, France and a number of English teams.
The game disappeared in Italy in the 1970s and no international matches were played. The team was revived in the mid-90s and Italy began competing in various international tournaments. The team qualified for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, their first time to the tournament.
Currently the team are ranked 18th in the world, behind Japan but ahead of Germany. In Europe they are ranked 13th, behind Malta. English - Italian Carlo Napolitano coaches the team, and Sydney Roosters full back Anthony Minichiello captains the side.
Read more about Italy National Rugby League Team: History, 2013 World Cup Qualifying, Competitions, Results, 2011 Squad
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—Orson Welles (1915–84)
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—Ida M. Tarbell (1857–1944)
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—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)
“giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.””
—Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863)