How will the Italian team under the management of Wayne Pivac behave in the upcoming URC season?
Ahead of the big start of the United Rugby Championship, The world of rugby is the rule for all 16 sides in the competition. First up is Benetton, who have a new head coach in former Wales coach Wayne Pivac, but will go into the season without the brilliant Tommaso Menoncello in the centres.
We will review each URC and Gallagher PREM before the 2026-27 season kicks off on Friday 25 September. Keep coming back The world of rugby each day for our verdicts on each team.
Benetton Discussion Points
The upward trajectory evident at Benetton stalled last season as they failed to achieve much in the way of positive results – or a defined style of play – under new head coach Calum MacRae. The Italians finished in 13th place, 21 points short of a place in the play-offs.
The club’s powers that be were spared any unpleasant considerations when MacRae chose to move to Newcastle Red Bulls as defense coach. The reins are now entrusted to the cunning Wayne Pivacwho won the Pro12 with the Scarlets back in 2017.
The immediate challenge will be dealing with the huge void left by Tommaso Menoncello, but François Carlo Mey looks a shrewd recruit in the centres, while the back-row stocks are as competitive as ever.
The team takes a big hit in test windows, so they always have to bleed into the next gen. Pivac must facilitate this development while achieving better results.
A key player
Open page for all actions Manuel Zuliani he was outstanding at this year’s Six Nations. The 26-year-old sets the tone for a wonderfully abrasive unit that broke away from Travis.
If Benetton can get more out of their front five, especially in the kit, they will be well placed up front. Prop Thomas Gallo is a big loss, but Zuliani will be well rested after missing the end of last season and the summer trials through injury.
Benetton’s Manuel Zuliani has become a permanent member of the Italian national team (Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
One to watch
Louis Werchon, the 23-year-old Australian scrum-half, made a good impression when he spent several months on loan last season as part of a partnership between Benetton and the Queensland Reds. Having since played a full season of Super Rugby, he should hit the ground running when he returns on his two-year deal.
Trainer box
Pivac has assembled a neat support crew that blends existing talent with his own additions.
Rhys Patchell has been recruited to take charge of the attack, Pete Wilkins moves to defence, while Dewald Senekal and Salvatore Costanzo will lead the set.
Benetton Prediction 2026-27
Benetton will be in the play-off mix, but much will depend on their ability to pick up points from the Stadio di Monigo. Too often last season they were weak on the road.
Benetton 2026-27 quotas
80-1
Vital statistics
Benetton failed to win a URC match outside Italy last season. The closest they got was a 15-15 draw with the Dragons.
Tommaso Menoncello’s move to Toulouse leaves a big hole to fill in Benetton’s midfield (Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Benetton signing
- Louis Werchon (Queensland Reds)
- Josh Flook (Queensland Reds)
- Jean Smith (Sharks)
- Gonzalo Hughes (Perigueux)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes)
- Matias Medrano (Pampas XV)
- Francois Carlos Mey (Soyaux-Angoulême)
Benetton ddepartures
- Tommaso Menoncello (Toulouse)
- Eli Snyman (Ulster)
- Thomas Gallo (Lyon)
- Scott Scrafton (retired)
- Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (retired)
- Nicolas Roger Farias (Dogos XV)
- Simon Koroiyadi (Nottingham)
- Malakai Fekitoa (Béziers)
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