Western Rams to face Italy in lead up to World Cup

The Rams will host Italy at Bathurst’s Carrington Park on Saturday, October 15, with the senior men’s game a final hit out for the Federation of Italian Rugby League Australia (FIRLA) before flying to Serbia for the 2017 World Cup qualifiers.

The FIRLA first grade outfit will largely comprise Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup players.

Ensuring tough opposition for coach Darren Jackson’s senior squad as he continues a Western Division re-build, already eyeing off the 2017 Country Championships.

Players for the Italian under-16s and under-21s teams will be drawn from the FIRLA development programs with links to various clubs across the Australia to also take on Western sides as curtain raisers to the main event, which will kick-off at 5pm.

Western Division looks forward to continue building its relationship with FIRLA, the Bathurst games this October come following Group 10 under-15s and under-16s played the Italians at Lithgow last October.

“The games in 2016 and last season have eventuated through the help of Joe Inzitari from Lithgow who is part of the FIRLA committee,” CRL Western Regional area manager Peter Clarke said.

“It will be a unique cultural experience for our Western squads, and a great opportunity to promote International pathways for players and officials with Italian heritage or a family background other than Australia leading into the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.”

Schedule Western Rams v FIRLA Saturday October 15, 2016 at Carrington Park, Bathurst:

Under 16s - 1.00pm

Under 21s - 3.20pm

First Grade - 5.00pm