Aironi kicked out of Pro12 tourney

Aironi, one of Italy's two franchises in the Pro12 competition, have had their license revoked on financial grounds and will not compete next season in the tournament, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced.

The FIR have  on Friday issued a press release announcing that they have revoked the Aironi licence to participate the Pro12.

The statement said Aironi will honour all fixtures until the end of the current season and the FIR have started a procedure to form a new franchise to participate in next year's competition.

"The federal council has decided unanimously to revoke the licence of the Aironi Rugby franchise at the end of the current season," the FIR announced.

Aironi, who according to sources close to the club are some €4-million in debt, asked for financial support from the Federation but the FIR said it could not respond to such a request, citing that to do so would be unfair on the other Italian side Treviso.

The FIR is to call on other teams to take Aironi's place in the championship, which also includes Irish, Welsh and Scottish outfits.

Interested clubs have until April 25 to declare their interest.

Aironi, formed from a number of historic Italian clubs - including Viadana and Parma - have struggled throughout their time in the Celtic League, finishing last in their first season and they are again rooted to the bottom this term.