FORMER Bradford Council employee Ikram Butt, who played amateur rugby league for Victoria Rangers once he had finished in the professional ranks, suffered managerial heartbreak when the British Asian Rugby Association lost 20-18 to a strong Italy team in Rome.
Ex-England international Butt and rugby league great Garry Schofield were in charge with the White Ribbon Trophy at stake against the Italian hosts, whose team were drawn from the cream of the country's burgeoning Revolution League.
But an Italian penalty two minutes from time decided an absorbing contest played in front of about 500 enthusiastic and curious spectators at the Stadio Tre Fontaine, home of Roma Rugby Club.
The White Ribbon Campaign aims to end violence by men against women and had the full support of everyone taking part.
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