DOWNTIME WITH... ANDREA PIARDI: "I resisted the temptation to pull out a yellow card - it was a perfectly legal tackle on me!"
Rugby World|March 2024
The groundbreaking Italian referee talks sailing, simplicity and the Six Nations
Mark Palmer
DOWNTIME WITH... ANDREA PIARDI: "I resisted the temptation to pull out a yellow card - it was a perfectly legal tackle on me!"

WHAT DOES it mean to be the first Italian chosen to referee a men’s Six Nations game?

It’s an important appointment, not just for me but for all Italian referees and the whole Italian rugby movement. This appointment can only make us all very proud because so many people have worked so hard to make it happen.

How big a help has the URC been for your progress?

It’s been huge for me and to us all as referees. Being able to encounter different styles of rugby at the highest level helps you to grow and better understand the game. It’s a fantastic tournament to be part of, really rich in so many ways.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard on the pitch?

A few times when it’s been raining during a game, players have asked if I’m still managing to see okay with my hair getting in my eyes!

What makes you angry?

Hypocrisy and hypocrites. I can’t stand that way of saying one thing and doing another. You should live your values at all times. 

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Sailing lessons, from my partner, Alessandra. It was something new that really drew me in and now it’s something that I really enjoy. 

What would you save first if your house was on fire?

My cats, Robin and Ruccola.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Don’t complicate simple things. That holds for every part of life, not just refereeing.

Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

RUGBY WORLD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
ALL EYES ON ROSS
Rugby World

ALL EYES ON ROSS

OSS VINTCENT sees a lot of similarities between Exeter and Italy, the two teams for whom he struts his powerful, dynamic stuff. The 22-year-old No 8 recognises the crossover in age profile and mentality but is also well aware of the potential shared pitfalls, having been part of a young Chiefs group's struggles to back up an impressive breakout campaign.

time-read
6 dak  |
March 2025
BABY BLEU
Rugby World

BABY BLEU

Léo Barré is the latest in a line of young French stars hoping to bury the blues of last season's World Cup

time-read
6 dak  |
March 2025
Tom Voyce
Rugby World

Tom Voyce

RW pays tribute to the late England wing who was a key part of Wasps' golden era

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025
"Scotland v Ireland is key to the whole shooting match"
Rugby World

"Scotland v Ireland is key to the whole shooting match"

Selection for the Lions four will hinge greatly on the Six Nations, says Stephen Jones. So who are the bolters who can force their way in?

time-read
6 dak  |
March 2025
Spanish steps
Rugby World

Spanish steps

It's a new era for los Leones and their impressive coach Pablo Bouza - and only qualification for the 2027 World Cup will do

time-read
5 dak  |
March 2025
OLD PRIORIAN RFC
Rugby World

OLD PRIORIAN RFC

Giving grass-roots rugby the love that it deserves....

time-read
2 dak  |
March 2025
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MEL DEANE
Rugby World

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MEL DEANE

I WAS at Wasps as a youngster, then signed for Richmond as a pro when I finished university in 1996. I played in Richmond's 106-12 win over Bedford in 1999 - still the biggest-ever Premiership victory.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025
MY RUGBY WORLD WITH STUART MCINALLY
Rugby World

MY RUGBY WORLD WITH STUART MCINALLY

The ex-Scotland captain turned commercial pilot on Blair Kinghorn, lucky boxers and a famous try

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025
"YOU'RE A LONG TIME RETIRED"
Rugby World

"YOU'RE A LONG TIME RETIRED"

After a ten-year hiatus, Rugby World editor Joe Robinson strapped the boots back on and returned to the rugby field

time-read
10 dak  |
March 2025
DOWNTIME WITH... Helena Rowland "I'd love to learn the fiddle and play country music"
Rugby World

DOWNTIME WITH... Helena Rowland "I'd love to learn the fiddle and play country music"

The Loughborough and Red Roses star on violin playing, air fryers and historical fiction

time-read
3 dak  |
March 2025