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April 8, 2009

Posted on 04/08/2009

Earthquake strikes at heart of L'Aquila rugby

The devastating earthquake that hit the Abruzzo region of Italy has taken a costly toll and sadly L'Aquila rugby has not escaped the tragedy.

It was confirmed today that 20-year-old prop Lorenzo Sebastiani was amongst those killed by the quake with reports from his team mates suggesting he could only be identified by his tatoos.

Accounts have reached us of L'Aquila's players digging among the rubble for victims, carrying survivors to safety and other acts of bravery.

"We’re exhausted and absolutely shattered, but nobody wants to leave," commented fullback Dario Pallotta. "Of course we can feel the aftershocks – there was another major one only this morning. But we’re staying to do everything we can to help."

And questions are already being asked of the authorities with another player, Emmanuel Giacoponi, asking, "There had been minor tremors since January, which gradually got stronger. I don’t understand why the authorities didn’t give us more warning of the threat of stronger quakes, and how to behave in the event. This could have saved lives, including that of my teammate Lorenzo."

The fund-raising efforts are already underway and don't be surprised to be asked to donate at your club this weekend - that's the way the rugby community works.

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About
Graham Jenkins joined Scrum in 1999 and took over the reins for a second time in 2006. His journalistic career has also seen him work for BBC Sport and IMG and he currently lives with his family in Farnham. Graham Jenkins
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