Italy topple England for the first time in Six Nations history

By Canadian Press on March 7, 2026.

ROME (AP) — Italy beat England for the first time in a rugby international on Saturday.

Italy triumphed 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico, finally knocking off the only team it hadn’t beaten since it joined the Six Nations in 2000.

The home side claimed the lead in a scrappy match for the third and final time with eight minutes to go after a Leonardo Marin try converted by Paolo Garbisi, who was a perfect five-of-five off the kicking tee.

Victory minutes later was greeted by hugs of joy in the Italy coaches’ box and on the field, and a giant roar from a near-capacity crowd.

Defeat was England’s third in a row following a 12-match winning streak.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

The Associated Press