New Zealand-born Kirwan believes the future success of international rugby in Italy depends on nurturing this pool of young talent - and to do it early.

As head coach I must make sure the development of our young teams is a priority, he said.

My aim is to keep a squad of 30 players together who will fight for a senior spot all the time in every game.

At Nevegal, the young players will get the chance to show how good they are and whether they are ready to take the next step to Six Nations rugby.

Kirwan said he was delighted with the way rugby was developing through all age groups in Italy.

The Azzurri is very promising at every level and not only at Under-21 level.

For example, the Under-18s beat the Pumas in Argentina last week, and won five of the six matches they played on tour.

Kirwan singled out 23-year-old flanker David Dal Maso as a player who has come through the ranks to deservedly earn his chance at senior level.

He played in the Romania and Japan Test matches and now he has won a place in the national senior team, he said.

And Kirwan said he would have no hesitation in blooding other Under-21 players if they showed similar ability and commitment.

We must not forget that the primary target for Italy is to win a few matches in the next RBS 6 Nations, added Kirwan.

But we must also think longer term about preparing a strong team for the next World Cup in France in 2007.

By then, the current crop of Under-21 players will be the right age to compete in a major tournament.