curates_egg says...

Some factoids about Parma rugby:

- Parma came second from bottom in the Italian Eccellenza (their premiership).

- Parma does not have a stadium that meets Pro12 standards (seats and covered stands) and they will not be allowed to use the football stadium (which is way too big anyway), so they will have to build one... but the city is broke (¿600 million debts).

- An average turnout at Parma for rugby is around 100 fans. There is no rugby following in the area (but ironically they have a successful american football team, which is Italian champion, as well as their soccer team).

- Pro12 fans do not travel to away games, so no source of income.

- The zebra is not an animal native to the Po valley.

- The president of the Italian rugby federation is from Parma - ho hum.

Some factoids about Viadana (formerly Aironi):

- Viadana has a Pro12 standard stadium, which is brand new (it was redeveloped after they got into the league).

- Viadana attracts a turnout of 2,500 fans for games (no other team other than Treviso does).

- Pro12 fans do not travel to away games, so no source of income.

- Aironi (or herons) are animals typical of the Po valley.

- The president of the Italian rugby federation is not from Viadana.

- Italians like to waste money.

Posted 16:40 07th June 2012