Copio e incollo da
http://sport.scotsman.com/rugby.cfm?id=532552007
Howells: Italians can make us an offer we can't refuse
BILL LOTHIAN
EDINBURGH coach Lynn Howells today called on Celtic rugby authorities to turn to Italy in covering the likely loss of European Cup fixtures next season through an Anglo-French boycott.
The English and French are threatening to pull out in a row over, respectively, tournament share-holdings and the demands of a domestic television schedule in World Cup year.
And while some claim that could mean meltdown for the Celtic cousins, Howells believes it could be a key moment in the success of the Magners Celtic League.
Howells said: "We've already had a season where there have been gaps and if they don't play a European Cup there are going to be more.
"How do supporters attach themselves to clubs if there are no games?
"Marketing a sport that doesn't play for weeks on end is the horrendous part of it.
"Ultimately what do you do with players who are only training? These players need games and there is an ideal opportunity for bringing in two or three Italian teams.
"In those circumstances, you would automatically get more games and the global profile of the Magners League would rise."
Sitting alongside Howells having helped prepare Edinburgh for tonight's league clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Murrayfield was scrummaging coach Massimo Cuttita, a former Italian prop forward.
And Cuttita was joined by his fellow internationalist brother, Marcello, on a fact-finding trip to Edinburgh on behalf of the Milan club. Both brothers reacted enthusiastically to the suggestion - and more relevantly insist Italian authorities might jump.
Massimo said: "Part of the reason for Italy's wins over Scotland and Italy in this season's Six Nations has been down to the exposure our players are now getting in European competition."
Marcello Cuttita agreed. "Italian rugby is on a huge high," he said. "After successes in the Six Nations, investors are coming forward keen to identity with rugby's good image.
"For example, one of Milan's major sponsors is arranging for us to play next season in the city's most traditional stadium and such facilities strengthen the case for inclusion in the Celtic League alongside teams from Rome and one other northern venue."
Edinburgh skipper Chris Paterson said: "Fans and players alike would welcome the idea of regular rugby trips to Italy."
Regardless of the structure, Paterson urged Edinburgh colleagues to leave nothing to chance in terms of booking a place in any European competition next season - starting against Newport Gwent Dragons.
"As pros you always want to be top team anyway," said Paterson. "But if there is a concern at a time when we are just getting on with the task of trying to propel Edinburgh as high up the league as possible, it is that we have to be in any quality competition going which could mean being top Scots.
"The way to do that is by proving once and for all against Dragons that Edinburgh are a good team just waiting to click." Paterson, who will be making a first appearance in club colours since facing Agen in early January due to injury and Test commitments, singled out flanker Colin Charvis as a prime Dragons threat while warning not to underestimate the visiting backs.
"Any side with Kevin Morgan and Ceri Sweeney in the ranks is bound to play rugby and we have to be geared for another of the high-scoring encounters which have become a hallmark of the fixture," he said.
These include a runaway 37-11 win over Edinburgh in Wales last season and Paterson is hopeful there can be more of the same. As Edinburgh are only four points ahead of Glasgow (and 24 points superior to the threatened Borders), clearly there is no margin for error.
An upbeat Howells, who knows the Italian scene well from his time coaching Leonessa, of Brescia, said: "Our position is such that we can jump from seventh into the top four with a single win.
"In the current upheaval, Edinburgh are one of the more stable teams because we have private investment from Bob and Alex Carruthers."
On Edinburgh's changes, Howells said: "The experiment of playing Matt Dey on the wing against Borders didn't work."