Departures of note

Mattia Pegorin grew up in Padova and began playing rugby as a child of seven or eight years old with Rugby Cittadella, later moving to the Castellana club. He developed as a flanker, a position that combines speed and defensive strength, and progressed through the Italian youth system.

As a senior player, Pegorin featured for several clubs, notably Benetton Rugby and Mogliano Veneto Rugby, competing in Italy's top leagues. His performances earned him recognition within the national rugby community, and he was regarded as a promising talent with a bright future in the sport.

Beyond the field, Pegorin completed a diploma in Administration, Finance and Marketing at the Istituto Girardi in Cittadella and worked as an energy‑sector broker. Colleagues praised his professionalism, kindness, and optimism.

In early 2026, six months after being diagnosed with a serious tumor, Pegorin succumbed to the illness at the age of 22. His funeral featured the jerseys of his clubs, and his family pledged to donate all contributions to the Veneto Oncology Institute in Padova to support cancer research.