Get to know Benetton Rugby

As Exeter Chiefs prepare to travel to the place colloquially known as ‘Little Venice’, their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final against Benetton Rugby marks the first time the two sides have ever met in a competitive fixture.

Following a bonus-point 31-21 victory over Munster Rugby at Sandy Park last Saturday afternoon, Chiefs players, coaches and supporters alike had to wait in anticipation of the Benetton v Cardiff Rugby result to seal their quarter-final fate.

The Italians were pushed right to the wire by a dogged Cardiff side but managed to see out a contentious final period of play to emerge victorious 38-35 and earn the hosting rights for this weekend.

This first of its kind fixture pits former European champions Chiefs against an Italian side rich with international talent. Club captain Michele Lamaro has the dual honour of being Azzurri captain, seeming like a modern reimagining of Italy’s favourite son, Sergio Parisse.

Before they joined what is now known as the BTC United Rugby Championship, Benetton were 15-time Italian league champions with a variety of domestic cup trophies also in their cabinet.

Known for their strong academy pathway, their playing fields have long been the proving ground of future Italian internationals. Parisse as well as the likes of Alessandro Zanni and Leonardo Ghiraldini, all began their careers in Benetton’s green and white stripes while former Italian captain Marco Bortolami earned his coaching stripes in Treviso.

This season, a team led by passion and a desire to play exciting, attacking rugby has flourished with the associated success of the international team.

Many fans of the Guinness Six Nations will remember sights like Tommaso Menoncello gracefully slicing his way through a defensive line-ups, the centre’s eyes set on the try-line. Or the unbridled passion of Niccolo Cannone, arm-in-arm with younger brother Lorenzo for the anthems, tears streaming down his face as they pay homage to their country.

This weekend’s game will feature three of Italy’s strongest young talents from the Exeter squad. Scrum-half Stephen Varney, lock Andrea Zambonin and back-row Ross Vintcent have been integral to the Chiefs’ success this season.

So, in the home of tiramisu and prosecco, Benetton and Chiefs will go to battle. The winner will advance to the semi-final stages with just one opponent – either Ulster Rugby or La Rochelle – standing between them and the EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao.