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Pope's funeral causes changes to Italy-based fixtures
By Bryn Palmer
Two fixtures originally scheduled for Parma’s Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday, 26 April, have been rescheduled to respect an official day of mourning in Italy following the death of Pope Francis.
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The Guinness Women’s Six Nations fixture between Italy and Wales, originally set to kick off at 13:15 local time (12:15 BST) on Saturday, has now been pushed back a day and will be played on Sunday, 27 April, with a 12:30 kick-off local time (11:30 BST).
Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s URC trip to face Zebre in Parma, originally set for Saturday evening, has been brought forward 24 hours and will be played on Friday, 25 April, with the same kick-off time – 19:35 BST/20:35 local.
The Italian government declared five days of national mourning in the run-up to the funeral of the late pontiff, which will be held outside St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and invited all sporting federations to suspend events in the country on Saturday.
A statement from the Six Nations said that as a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will also be observed ahead of the fixture between Italy and Wales.
“Following the recent and sad passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, Six Nations Rugby, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) are unified in respecting the invite from the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò, for National Sport’s Federations, the Associated Sports Disciplines and the Sports Promotion Bodies in Italy to suspend all sporting events in the country on Saturday 26th April 2025, in conjunction with the funeral of the Holy Father Pope Francis,” the statement said.
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Tickets purchased for the game will remain valid for the new date, with fans invited to contact the Italian Rugby Federation with enquiries or refund requests. International broadcast coverage of the fixture will remain available to fans.
Edinburgh, meanwhile, have brought forward their travel arrangements for a URC fixture they desperately need to win to remain in contention for a place in the top eight and the end-of-season play-offs.
“Firstly, our thoughts are with all those affected by this week’s very sad news,” said Edinburgh managing director Douglas Struth.
“Through circumstances beyond our control, the funeral of Pope Francis has meant that our upcoming game against Zebre Parma in Italy now needs to be brought forward by 24 hours.
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“We are very grateful for the support and understanding of those fans who have already booked to back the team this weekend, including those travelling on the club’s official package through Gulliver’s Sports Travel.
“This package will continue to run with revised dates and timings and a full refund available for those who now cannot attend, plus a partial refund for those who can still travel reflecting the revised dates and timings.
“We have worked hard with Zebre and URC to ensure that the game does take place this weekend, and are looking forward to the match on Friday.”
The match will still be broadcast in the UK via Premier Sports.
An Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’ fixture against Zebre ‘A’ that was also scheduled to take place in Parma on Saturday will no longer be played.
