Italy were today celebrating the news they are to be admitted to the Five Nations Championship after the 1999 World Cup.
Italian rugby federation president Giancarlo Dondi described the announcement as a dream come true that they are to join England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France in a new Six Nations Championship.
''It's down to the results we've achieved,'' said Dondi, ''and it's a recognition of all the hard work which we have put into reaching the right standard.''
Dondi was first informed of the decision by International Board chief Vernon Pugh. ''He told me it was likely that Italy would be allowed into a Six Nations tournament after the World Cup.
''That this has now been confirmed by Alan Hosie, the new chairman of the championship, and again by Vernon can only be a source of joy and honour for me.
''I'm not saying that today we can compete with the great nations, but after the first five, I think we are on a par with the others.'' Dondi defined the top five as England, France and the southern hemisphere sides, world champions South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
''I'm someone who has a great deal of respect for the other countries (outside the top five). And all I'm saying is Italy, playing against these sides, has a chance of losing but also of winning. On Saturday, against South Africa at Bologna, we'll be going out to win.''
q Rugby Union is poised to return to the Olympic fold for the first time in 80 years at the 2004 Games in Athens. The sport was featured in the 1900, 1908, 1920 and 1924 Games but, after representations to the IOC, Rugby Union officials are hopeful of a return to sport's premier event.
It is not known at this stage whether a seven-a-side or the full format would be re-introduced.
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