Ivan Francescato
Ivan Francescato (10 February 1967 – 19 January 1999) was an Italian rugby union player.
Francescato began his career in his native city, Treviso, like his five elder siblings before him, all of whom played the game at high levels; three (besides him) made the Italian National team, Bruno, Nello and Rino. He got his technical and athletic training in the youth development teams at A.S. Ruggers Tarvisium 69.
He made his debut in the Italian Championship on 14 September 1986, as a centre, against A.S.R. Milano in Milan. He remained faithful to Benetton Treviso throughout his life. Francescato also played as a scrum half.
Francescato made his International debut on 7 October 1990 against
Ivan Francescato died suddenly of a heart attack at 3 a.m. at his home in Treviso. The Benetton Treviso rugby board decided to retire the number 13 shirt for the season.
Italian team statistics
- 38 appearances
- 77 points scored
- 16 tries
- 2 Rugby World Cups Contested: 1991, 1995.
- Italian National Championships: 4 (1989, 1992, 1997, 1998 with Benetton Treviso)