2026-03-08 10:32:14
Lawrence Dallaglio “often wonders” how life would have turned out if he’d played rugby in Italy.
The England legend – whose father Vincenzo was born and raised in Turin – was taken to Milan early in his career but rejected a generous offer because he wasn’t impressed by the “chaos” he witnessed on the pitch.
He told Rugby World magazine:” After I had played against Italy for England Colts In 1991, I had an offer from Italy.
“A private plane landed and they flew me to Milan and made an offer of a place at university, a flat in Milan, and a salary of such-and-such per week. This was the pre-professional era and I told them, ‘You’re not allowed to pay me, you know – the game is amateur.’ And they said, ‘Lawrence, this is Italy…’
“My dad was quite keen on me signing on the dotted line but I went to watch Milan against L’Aquila. David Campese was playing and I think he touched the ball once – by mistake.
“It was absolute chaos, more akin to murderball than rugby, so I turned them down.”
Even so, Lawrence can’t help but think about what his career could have looked like.
He continued: “I often wonder where things would have gone had I accepted that offer.
“I wouldn’t have been sitting here talking to you now.
“I might be a Six Nations legend but for all the wrong reasons.”
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