Why Do Italy Rugby Play in Blue? The Real Reason Behind the Iconic Azzurri Kit

Imagine tuning in to a big rugby fixture, rooting for Italy—and there they are in bright blue jerseys. If you've ever scratched your head and thought, 'But wait, isn't the Italian flag red, white, and green?', you're not alone. This odd color choice actually sets Italy apart from pretty much every other team out there, who usually wear their flag colors loud and proud.

But here’s the shocker: the blue jersey, or "azzurri" as locals love to call it, isn’t some random pick. It's a centuries-old tradition that has nothing to do with the modern Italian flag. The color blue goes way back, hinting at deep roots in Italy's national identity, and even spicing up debates in some Italian bars (believe me, I've witnessed it firsthand while out with friends during a Six Nations match).

• The Blue Mystery: Not on the Flag
• A Nod to Italian Royalty
• How Blue Became the National Sports Color
• Azzurri: More Than Just a Nickname
• Tips to Spot and Wear Italy's Blue Rugby Gear

The Blue Mystery: Not on the Flag

Alright, let’s just call it out: If you’re hunting for blue on Italy’s flag, you’re not going to find any. The Italian flag is all green, white, and red—no blue in sight. So why does the Italy rugby team stick with their famous blue shirts? It’s one of the most common questions fans ask, especially those new to rugby fixtures or just switching over from football.

The mystery’s not just limited to diehard sports fans. Even plenty of Italians admit to having a moment of confusion at some point. Since most other national sports teams rock their flag colors, it does make Italy stand out at every Six Nations match and World Cup game. When you line up all the teams for a tournament shot, Italy’s blue looks totally unique next to all that green, white, and red from countries like Wales or Ireland.

And here’s a neat tidbit: 'Azzurri' literally means 'the blues'—obviously not a hint at their luck, but a straight-up nod to their jerseys. Over time, people have come to link blue with Italian pride in sports, even if it still has nothing to do with the actual flag.

To show just how out-of-place blue is on the flag, here’s a simple comparison of Italian national symbols and their core colors:

So, while it feels odd at first, that blue is now as much a part of Italy’s sports identity as pizza or pasta. You’ll spot it pretty much anywhere Italian teams compete, not just in rugby fixtures. And there’s a much deeper reason why it’s blue, which goes way back in Italian history. We’ll hit that next.

A Nod to Italian Royalty

So, why all the fuss about blue? The secret is in Italy’s past. Back in the day, before Italy united as one country in 1861, the place was run by a bunch of separate states. The one that pulled everyone together was the Kingdom of Savoy, and their royal family color was, you guessed it, blue—specifically a shade known as "Savoy blue." That blue wasn’t just some random pick; it actually stood for loyalty and power.

After Italy became a unified nation, blue stuck around as a kind of tribute to the royal house that started it all. When the first Italian national sports teams hit the field in the early 1900s, they picked blue for their kit. This even goes for Italy rugby teams. The men’s rugby side first wore blue in 1929, and the women’s team followed the same tradition. Fun fact: way back, the Italian teams occasionally wore white, but blue quickly became the official, must-have look.

According to World Rugby historian John Griffiths,

"The blue shirt is a direct homage to the House of Savoy. Even today, it’s seen as a powerful national symbol, tied more to tradition than government."

Even after the monarchy ended in Italy in 1946, the blue color held strong. People saw it as a way to connect with Italy’s roots rather than its old rulers. By now, blue isn’t just about royalty—it’s Italy’s go-to color, especially for national teams. If you see that familiar blue at an international match, it’s more than just fashion—it’s history in action.

Take a look at how blue has become the top color for Italian sports over the years:

Next time the Italy rugby squad steps onto the pitch in blue, just know you’re looking at a shout-out to the country’s royal roots. Now, Italians might not all agree on politics, but cheering for blue? That’s one thing they seem to get behind.

How Blue Became the National Sports Color

Here’s where it gets interesting: Italy’s obsession with blue didn’t just start with Italy rugby. This all began way back in 1911, when the Italian men’s national football team was gearing up for their very first match. Instead of picking the colors from the Italian flag, someone decided blue was the way to go—that blue was a nod to the House of Savoy, the royal family that used to rule the country. Their official color? Royal blue. So, blue quickly became a symbol of national pride that stuck not just for football, but for other sports too.

Soon after, as new sports teams popped up in Italy, blue kits became their default. By the time Italy rugby kicked off their international games in 1929, people already expected to see Italian athletes in blue. It was never about the flag – it was always about tradition and identity. These days, the whole country is so used to cheering for the azzurri (the "blues") that seeing any other color would probably cause mass confusion.

Check this out—a quick look at when blue became official for Italian sports teams:

So if you’ve ever asked yourself why blue is everywhere in Italian sports, now you know. It’s a piece of their history that’s still making waves today, especially during big rugby fixtures when fans show up wearing blue from head to toe.

Azzurri: More Than Just a Nickname

When fans and commentators talk about "the Azzurri," it’s not just a catchy nickname tossed around—it’s woven into the identity of Italy’s national rugby squad. "Azzurri" literally means "the Blues" in Italian, and it’s what people call the team, no matter the sport. Whether you’re into football, rugby, or even basketball, any time Italy’s on the international stage in blue, they’re the Azzurri.

The term first popped up way back with the men’s football team, but rugby folks quickly snatched it up too. By the time Italy crashed onto the rugby fixtures scene in the 1920s, everyone was already shouting "Forza Azzurri!" from the stands. This nickname isn’t just about color—it’s a badge of unity. You shout it in a bar, and complete strangers will nod and cheer with you. It links different generations of Italian sports fans, from people who remember the glory days of the 80s to kids who just learned the rules of rugby last week.

Rugby shirts can change sponsors and tiny design details, but the blue? That never changes. The nickname has even inspired fan clubs, podcasts, and merch. You’ll see the word "Azzurri" splashed across scarves, hoodies, and banners at every match. In a lot of ways, supporting the Azzurri is more about belonging to a community than just watching a game.

If you ever see Italian supporters at a Italy rugby fixture, you’ll notice a real mix—kids with face paint, grandparents in oversized blue wool hats, tourists tagging along just to be part of the energy. Everyone is there for the Azzurri vibe, not just the rugby. The nickname is almost like a membership card.

Want to know how big the Azzurri family is? Look at the turnout. During the 2024 Six Nations, over 60,000 fans showed up in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, all in blue. For a country where rugby isn’t even the top sport, that’s serious dedication!

Tips to Spot and Wear Italy's Blue Rugby Gear

Want to look like a real supporter? Getting your hands on authentic Italy rugby kit isn’t as tricky as you might think, but there are a few things to watch for, especially if you want the real deal. The official jersey color is called "savoy blue" (azzurro Savoia), inspired by the old royal House of Savoy. It's a pretty specific shade, somewhere between royal blue and sky blue—not navy, not turquoise.

The current jersey almost always features these classic details:

• The Italian Rugby Federation badge—a small shield with the tricolor flag at the top, a gold border, and the letters "F.I.R." for Federazione Italiana Rugby.
• Main sponsor logos, often Adidas or Macron. Watch out: if you see bizarre fonts or odd brand names, it’s likely a fake.
• Subtle patterns in the fabric, sometimes laurel wreaths or the Italian flag stripes on the cuffs or collar.

If you’re shopping online or at matches during the rugby fixtures season, stick to reputable stores. The price for real gear usually sits between €70 and €100 for a standard jersey, which is a good clue—if it’s way cheaper, you might be looking at a knock-off.

Here’s a breakdown of common features compared:

If you’re feeling brave and want to wear the official match shirt, keep in mind: it’s a “slim fit” designed for actual players, so go a size up (or two) for comfort. There’s also a fan version that’s cut more generously.

Pairing your new blue jersey with casual jeans or shorts works just fine for game day. If you want to take it next level, throw on a matching azzurri scarf or a cap so you blend right in with the crowds at Stadio Olimpico—even if you’re just watching from your sofa. And if you ever spot vintage jerseys from the 1990s, hang onto them. Collectors love the old “Kappa” kits and they fetch a nice price online.