ITALY'S Rugby World Cup preparations have been thrown into disarray by a player strike over tournament bonuses.
The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) claims to have "taken note" of the players' stance, that includes demanding a match-by-match bonus scheme.
Italy will face Ireland and France in Pool D at the World Cup, but their bosses are refusing to budge on the plan for a one-off bonus payment linked to full tournament performance.
An initial 40-strong squad gathered for Italy's June 14 to July 3 camp near Bolzano, though captain Sergio Parisse and talisman prop Martin Castrogiovanni were absent through French Top 14 play-off commitments.
"The Italian Rugby Federation has taken note of the willingness expressed on Sunday night by the players not to take part in the training and not to wear (FIR) sports equipment until reaching an economic agreement," read an FIR statement.
The FIR claim a "final proposal" has already been offered to the players, admitting the training camp will be suspended until an agreement is reached.
Italy, who will provide Wales with their final tune-up in Cardiff in on September 5, have slipped to 15th in the world rankings below Tonga, Japan and Georgia.
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