Omicron, tackle to the Lions Sled the match with the Sharks We try to hold back Ioane

TREVISO

A Monty Ioane to keep, a constant work to seal a large part of the current squad, a championship that risks finding new obstacles. The days following Benetton’s debut (with defeat) in the Challenge Cup have already put Gloucester’s performance on file. First of all the rumors involving Monty Ioane, who if he is not the top player of the Lions, we are close to it. Once the New Zealand winger received offers from Glasgow, Cardiff and Coventry (Wasps), Benetton did not remain idle: contacts are underway to convince Ioane to stay in green-and-white instead. Moreover, in Ghirada it seems that they are working hard not only to keep him, but also to lock down other young people who have come to light in recent times. The plan is to structure a roster that grows in the medium to long term, but which can also bring results in the short term. Covid permitting.

Yes, because the Omicron variant, as anticipated, has already got its hands on the United Rugby Championship: after the stop at the Zebras matches, with the return from South Africa in a hurry only ten days ago, to buy time on the infections there. ‘Urc has released the new championship calendar, from the tenth day to the 17th, updated taking into account the problems of playing abroad for South African teams, struggling with Covid. The most important news is on the tenth day, with the related matches that would involve South African teams playing in Ireland and Italy, which has been moved to the last weekend of February 2022. Here is the order of the matches, which follow the eighth and the ninth round with the two Italian derbies, the first Friday at 2 pm in Parma, the second on January 2 in Monigo, after which the Six Nations will enter the scene on February 5. The times are Italian. Round 11 Friday 28 January, at 8.35 pm Dragons-Benetton; round 12 Saturday 19 February, 8.35 pm Glasgow Warriors-Benetton; round 10 Saturday 26 February, 16.05 Benetton-Sharks (contemporary with the Six Nations); round 13 Saturday 5 March, 13.55 Benetton-Leinster; round 14, Friday 25 March, 20.35 Munster-Benetton; round 15 Saturday 2 April, 1 pm Benetton-Connacht; round 16, Saturday 23 April, 2 pm Bulls-Benetton; shift 17 Saturday 30 April, 2 pm Lions-Benetton; 18 Saturday 21 May (to be confirmed in the coming months after consultations with broadcast partners) Benetton-Cardiff.

The Urc Board is keen to underline that the health of the teams and players nevertheless takes precedence over the conduct of the matches, adding that it is heartened by the UK government’s decision to ease travel restrictions with South Africa. In any case, the Board will continue to adhere to the directions established by the health authorities and government departments in the various jurisdictions. –