In a charity auction jointly organised by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, supporters paid a combined tally of around 10,000 euros for 30 jerseys worn by the Azzurri players during the recently-completed RBS 6 Nations championship.

Supporters also gave more than double that in donations as a total of 34,111 euros was raised, with all proceeds going to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

The most sought-after shirt was that worn by prop Andrea Lo Cicero, whose top went for 640 euros.

Italy team manager Marco Bollesan was delighted by the response of the rugby-loving public, saying: We are very happy to collect almost 35,000 euros with Gazzetta and it goes to show how popular rugby in Italy is at the minute.

Even though we finished bottom of the RBS 6 Nations this shows that we are still growing and this is a very positive thing for the future.
We are also very happy to see so much money go to such a good cause.

Italy ended up with the RBS 6 Nations wooden spoon last month for the first time in three years after suffering five successive defeats in the competition.