After the challenge in Dublin, the Cattolica Test Match against Russia will be the next bench for the tournament that, between August and September, will feel the pulse of the 'Azzurri' in anticipation of departure for Japan for the World Cup. The game will be played on August 17th at the Riviera delle Palme Stadium in San Benedetto del Tronto, where Italrugby will be facing off against the Russian Bears. It will be a highly anticipated event by all rugby fans, but it will also be a chance for this sport and its values to attract a broader audience which, in this summer setting, will be able to support "Azzurri" from the stands of the Marche stadium or watch the game live on Raidue at 18.25. It will be a taste of the show to come for rugby fans in September, when the World Cup will kick off in Japan. After the Cattolica Test Match, the competition will continue with the other events in Paris, against France, scheduled for 30 August, and in Newcastle, against England, scheduled for 6 September. 

“That of San Benedetto del Tronto will be the only Cattolica Test Match during 2019 and will be the Italian stage of approach to the Rugby World Cup where our national team will be competing in Japan - commented Cattolica Assicurazioni Managing Director Alberto Minali. - We know that our group, with prestigious adversaries the likes of New Zealand and South Africa, will be extremely demanding, but we are confident in the work done during the preparation stage by coach O’Shea, as well as the warm support of the fans and all rugby enthusiasts. We will also feel this warmth in the grandstands of San Benedetto del Tronto for the match against Russia, the national team that will kick off the World Cup with the opening match, scheduled for 20 September against host team, Japan. This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce this thrilling sport to a new audience, made up not only of enthusiasts, but also of the families and young people who have decided to spend their summer holidays on the Marche Riviera. A land which has demonstrated that it loves and shares the values of rugby.”