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Verona is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most striking cities. Often overlooked in favour of Milan or Venice, this gem on the Adige River has carved out a growing reputation as one of the country’s premier rugby hubs. That rise is thanks to the success of Rugby Verona and the creation of the Payanini Centre — a facility that sets the standard for rugby in Italy.
Built as the passion project of a local marble tycoon, the Payanini Centre is a true rugby campus. Immaculate grass pitches, a professional S&C gym, on-site accommodation, and a superb bistro-restaurant make it an all-in-one venue for training, fixtures, and preparation. It’s no wonder Italy’s professional and international squads regularly base themselves here — and for touring teams, it’s a rare privilege to follow in their footsteps.
On the pitch, fixtures are hard-fought and physical, matched by the warmth of Italian hospitality off it. Away from rugby, Verona’s UNESCO-listed centre is alive with history, while nearby Lake Garda opens up kayaking, canyoning, wine tasting, and even theme parks for the ultimate squad bonding.
Verona blends elite rugby with heritage and adventure — a must for any serious Italian rugby tour.
1. Training Sessions & Games at Rugby Verona, Italy's #1 Rugby Facility.
2. White Water Rafting in the Dolomites
3. Private Boat Cruises on Lake Garda
4. Amarone & Ripasso Wine Tasting in Valpolicella
5. Stay in Italy's most beautiful City
Flight to Milan, Venice or Verona itself
Continue to your Accommodation for Check-In
Time to take-in the incredible surroundings
Continue to the Payanini Centre - the spectacular Home of Rugby Verona & U20 RWC 2025 Host Venue
Training Session, access to the High Performance Gym & Recovery Facilities
Dinner at the on-site Benvenuto Restaurant
Return to Verona & enjoy a sunset stroll around the Arena & Piazza Erbe
Continental Breakfast
Transfer to a local Rugby Club
TOUR MATCH ONE
Enjoy an infamous Italian 'Terzo Tempo,' or Third Half, the term given to after-match hospitality
Continue to nearby Lake Garda
Choose between Rafting, Canyoning or for Adult Groups, Wine Tasting in Valpolicella
Return to Verona
Team Dinner at San Matteo Church in the Heart of the City
Evening at leisure
Continental Breakfast
Transfer to a local Rugby Club
TOUR MATCH TWO
Terzo Tempo
Travel into the Dolomite Mountains for some incredible White Water Rafting at the Italian Olympic Facility
Return to Verona
Team Dinner at Osteria Vecchia Rama overlooking the Vineyards of Valpolicella
Continental Breakfast
Morning at leisure
Check-Out & Transfer to Milan, Venice or Verona Airport
Flight Home
Based between the traditional rugby hotbeds in Veneto & Lombardy, Verona once was an outpost. However, the emergence of Rugby Verona as one of Italy's most dynamic clubs as well as great clubs at nearby Valpolicella, Vicenza & Brescia gives much in terms of competition. As with anywhere in Italy, the bigger clubs boast two teams at each age group - competing on both a regional and national level - so with time, fixtures are readily available.
For those who wish to turbocharge their training on tour, Verona is a great venue. With the choice of outdoor grass pitches and a stunning 3G pitch under cover, the Payanini Center is setup to function during all weather and elements. This also allows groups to mix up the training between surfaces to ready the team for any challenges ahead. With 3 Grass Pitches, 1 Outdoor 3G Pitch and a small indoor 3G Pitch to work on set plays, there is plenty of variety and availability for your needs
It wouldn't be an Italian Tour without great food. The Benvenuto Restaurant at Rugby Verona provides great food, ideal for a heavy training load or post match. In the city, the San Matteo Restaurant is a Pizzeria located in an old Church & Ristorante Greppia serves some beautiful traditional classics. Outside of town, Osteria Vecchia Rama sits in the Valpolicella winelands and serves some great chicken and steak dishes which are always a hit.
The 4* Hotel Montresor Palace in Verona City offers rugby squads a dependable base with easy access to the city’s rugby grounds and cultural attractions. Twin and triple rooms are spacious and well-furnished, featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. Coaches will appreciate hearty breakfasts, flexible dining, and meeting rooms for tactical briefings. Secure kit storage and nearby coach parking make logistics simple. The professional staff are experienced with groups, ensuring smooth arrangements from arrival to departure. For coaches seeking reliable comfort, central access, and strong team facilities, Hotel Montresor Palace is a practical and proven choice in Verona.
Hotel Kona provides rugby teams with a modern and efficient base in Verona, combining comfort with easy access to rugby venues and the city centre. Rooms include twin and triple options, with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms, ensuring players and staff rest well. Coaches benefit from flexible group dining options and spaces for team meetings or recovery briefings. The hotel also offers secure luggage storage and convenient parking for touring coaches. With friendly staff familiar with group needs, Hotel Kona Verona is a dependable and affordable option for rugby squads seeking comfort, convenience, and solid facilities.
All Strength & Conditioning training will take place in the state-of-the-art Fifteen Fitness Club which is build into the main grandstand at Rugby Verona. The facility itself is home to all the modern kit and equipment that any professional setup will have. With 5 Squat Stations/Olympic Lifting Platforms, Dumbbells and Barbells ranging through all weights, cardiovascular machines ranging from treadmills to bikes, the facility has it all.
The Gym itself is also complete with a free weights section for leisure time and a plyometrics section to work on more explosive movements and rehabilitation. Ice Baths & Medical suites available.
For recovery, choose between an Olympic Sized Pool in Verona itself, or why not spend a morning on the beaches of Lake Garda.
Flights to Milan or Venice are accessible throughout the UK. Verona is just over an hours transfer from both.
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