When you think of sports in Florence, the first thing that comes to mind is invariably Fiorentina. However, unbeknownst to many, right next door to the Artemio Franchi is Firenze Rugby 1931, a thriving rugby club with more than 450 members aged 6 to 70.
Aeroporto di Firenze, the club’s senior team, currently competes in the Serie A playing home games at the Padovani stadium (adjacent to the Fiorentina soccer stadium). At present, Aeroporto di Firenze sits in fourth place in its group and hopes to remain in Serie A next season. According to coach Marco Lodigiani, ‘The goal of the club is to continually instill confidence in the players.’
But there are plenty of opportunities for amateurs. Firenze Rugby is open to men and women, boys and girls, of all ages. There is even a veterans’ team for those adults who want a good workout after a long hard day.
Curious about learning more about rugby or want to get back to playing? Firenze Rugby offers a free one-month trial: all you need is your Italian national health card, football boots and a mouth guard. If you want to continue after the trial, the yearly fee ranges from 250 to 400 euro.
For more information, visit www.firenzerugby1931.it or visit the club at viale Pasquale Paoli, 23.
