ROVIGO – Rovigo continues to generate magic around the oval ball. The Monti Rugby Rovigo Junior, with the support of over 200 volunteers and in collaboration with Rugby Rovigo Delta, successfully concluded the largest Minirugby Tournament the city has ever seen. The 25th Torneo di Primavera - Memorial Enrico Suriani took place on April 13, 2025, on the Marvelli and Battaglini fields, showcasing an impressive display of youth rugby.
More than 1,400 athletes participated in the Trofeo Primavera - Memoriale Enrico Suriani, representing 27 societies from 9 regions of Italy, totaling 90 teams. The tournament featured categories for Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, and Under 12, with approximately 30 children under 5 engaged in the Prime Mete category. This year marked the largest Torneo Primavera ever, both in terms of participating societies and athletes on the field.
Despite the gloomy weather, the spirit of the young players shone brightly as they gathered at the Battaglini to listen to the national anthem before heading to their respective fields. The event was a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Monti Rugby Rovigo Junior, which has consistently improved the tournament over the past four years, thanks to its growing number of volunteers and the commitment of minirugby societies across Italy.
Among the notable attendees were players from Femi Cz Rovigo, including captain Matteo Ferro and vice-captain Facundo Ferrario. The hero of the match who secured the Coppa Italia for the team just days prior, Mirko Belloni, also graced the event, having participated in this tournament in his youth.
The awards ceremony, held after the finals on the main field of Battaglini, was attended by several dignitaries, including Cristian Corazzari, the Veneto regional sports assessor, and Laura Cestari, regional councilor. Also present were Enrico Ferrarese, president of the Province of Rovigo, along with rugby legend Edoardo Lubian, vice mayor Andrea Bimbatti, and Raccamari, president of Civ-Fir Veneto, among others.
Here are the results from the tournament:
- Under 8: 1st place - Monti Rovigo Junior, 2nd place - Petrarca Padova, 3rd place - Polisportiva L’Aquila.
- Under 10: 1st place - Monti Rovigo Junior, 2nd place - Rugby Club Pasian di Prato, 3rd place - Petrarca Padova.
- Under 12: 1st place - Monti Rovigo Junior, 2nd place - Benetton Treviso, 3rd place - Petrarca Padova.
Special awards were also presented during the ceremony. The Inclusion Prize for 2024 was awarded to Rugby Riviera for having the most female participants. The Luigi Costato special award, which recognizes efforts in promoting youth rugby, went to Benetton Treviso. The Alcide Balzan Prize for the society that traveled the farthest was awarded to Polisportiva L’Aquila Rugby. Additionally, the Fair Play award, named after Nicola Perin, was given to Formiche Rugby Pesaro and Monti Under 12 Blu for their exemplary collaboration.
This year’s tournament not only emphasized competitive spirit but also showcased the importance of inclusion and community in sports. The collaboration with the Uguali Diversamente association, which created gadgets for each participant, added a unique touch to the event, enhancing the experience for all involved.
As the tournament concluded, the participants reflected on a memorable day filled with sportsmanship and camaraderie. The Monti Rugby Rovigo Junior has set a high standard for future events, ensuring that the legacy of the Torneo Primavera - Memorial Enrico Suriani continues to grow.
With Monti Rovigo Junior winning in all categories, the club has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in youth rugby, inspiring the next generation of players. As the players and their families left the fields, one could sense the excitement for next year’s tournament and the promise of even greater achievements.
