Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had led the way since April 5, 1984 – eight months before James was born.
Nearly 8,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake that hit this week, with Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan among the victims.
Italy are on home turf as they go hunting for revenge against Ireland, following last year's 57-6 drubbing. But the visitors – favourites for the Six Nations title this year – ought to have enough quality to pass this test.
Hidalgo last month said she was in favour of Russians participating under a neutral banner, but has now expressed a different view.