**Welsh Rugby Union Probes Alleged Misconduct by Wales U20 Squad in Italy**
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has launched a formal investigation following alarming claims that some members of the Wales under-20s rugby squad engaged in a series of disruptive incidents during their stay in Rovigo, Italy. The allegations, first detailed in the Italian newspaper Il Gazzettino, accuse squad members of damaging their hotel and causing disturbances at a city-centre music festival just hours after their final game in the World Rugby U20 Championships.
The tournament itself saw the Welsh side come away with an eighth-placed finish, having managed only one win from five matches. Their campaign concluded with a 31-23 defeat to hosts Italy. However, instead of the conversation focussing on sporting achievement or lessons learned on the pitch, the team is now embroiled in controversy over its off-field behaviour.
According to Il Gazzettino, trouble began shortly after the final whistle on Saturday, with several players reportedly spotted wandering the city inebriated and acting in a disorderly fashion. Witnesses described scenes of confusion, with some players allegedly asking for directions, shouting, and behaving inappropriately around local businesses, including urinating against public walls and overturning outdoor furniture and signage.
The situation intensified later that evening during the ‘Voices for Freedom’ festival, a local music and civil rights event. Italian media claims a small group of players disrupted the proceedings, formally breaching security to get onto the stage. It is alleged that two squad members forcibly took a microphone from an event host, then proceeded to shout into it with little regard for organisers or the audience amid loud boos.
The misbehaviour reportedly continued back at the team’s accommodation, where staff at Hotel Capital in Rovigo were left to manage the aftermath. Descriptions from hotel employees suggest “a nightmare” situation, including thousands of euros’ worth of damage. Several doors were reportedly broken, and complaints arose about players walking around the hotel barefoot and shirtless while being unnecessarily loud late into the night. Staff suggested their attempts to reprimand the individuals were met largely with disregard, with some guests shocked at the apparent lack of decorum.
While the full extent of the damage and disorder has yet to be confirmed, the WRU is now working to establish the facts. A spokesperson stated: “We are aware of the reports and are looking into the matter. We will respond in the appropriate manner when all the facts of the situation have been established.”
At this stage, it is important to note that these remain allegations, and the identities of those involved have not been made public. The WRU has not yet taken disciplinary action, pending the outcome of its review. Nevertheless, news of the alleged incidents has already generated significant debate in rugby circles, raising questions over player conduct and the responsibilities of travelling teams.
This controversy arrives at a sensitive moment for the WRU, following recent efforts to restore its reputation after a string of public challenges both on and off the field. Many followers of Welsh rugby will view this probe as a critical test of the union’s governance and disciplinary standards.
Observers in both Wales and Italy are calling for thorough and fair adjudication as the union investigates the matter. Regardless of the eventual findings, the story serves as a stark reminder that young athletes, especially those representing their nation, remain under close scrutiny — not just for their skill and determination, but for their behaviour beyond the game as well.