The Italian rugby team have chosen Nelson as their World Cup base for a reason.
Head coach Nick Mallett is now hoping that Nelson's significant Italian community will help provide the crucial support base his team is looking for.
Although Italy begin their campaign against Australia at North Harbour Stadium next Sunday, they have critical pool C matches against Russia and USA at Nelson's Trafalgar Park, where Mallett is hoping for a decisive edge.
"We were very lucky that the [Nelson] mayor [Aldo Miccio] came over and watched our game against France in the Six Nations and we had a chance to meet him.
Head coach Nick Mallett is now hoping that Nelson's significant Italian community will help provide the crucial support base his team is looking for.
Although Italy begin their campaign against Australia at North Harbour Stadium next Sunday, they have critical pool C matches against Russia and USA at Nelson's Trafalgar Park, where Mallett is hoping for a decisive edge.
"We were very lucky that the [Nelson] mayor [Aldo Miccio] came over and watched our game against France in the Six Nations and we had a chance to meet him.
