Danilo Fischetti of Zebre Parma in Italy will join London Irish next season.
The 24-year-old has spent the previous four seasons with Parma and has been a regular member of the Azzurri squad, earning 20 caps since his debut in 2020. He has participated in three successive Six Nations competitions with that team.
Director of Rugby Declan Kidney is anticipating welcoming the prop into the fold in the summer, stating Fischetti will “bolster our front-row options.”
“Danilo will be a welcome presence in our pack and will bring with him a wealth of international experience at only 24-years-old.
“We are very much looking forward to working with him at Hazelwood this summer and he is a welcome addition to our squad.”
“I can’t wait to get started at London Irish,” added Fischetti.
“After speaking to Declan, I knew that the ambitions of the Club match that of my own. I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can to drive the team up the league table.”
“Danilo will be a welcome presence in our pack and will bring with him a wealth of international experience at only 24-years-old”
Ollie Hassell-Collins making impact off the pitch
Rugby needs more players like Ollie Hassell-Collins as it seeks to raise its reputation and reach a broader audience beyond its existing boundaries.
The London Irish winger and England prospect is not scared to stick out. On the field, his 10 Premiership tries and outstanding form this season drew Eddie Jones’ attention.
Hassell-Collins is not your typical latte-sipping, Call of Duty-playing rugby star. He walks his three cats, Betsy, Albus, and Marmalade, enjoys tattoos, and is a Harry Potter lover.
Recently, he has attracted the attention of various fashion designers, begun his modelling career, and become an ambassador for the charity Rugby Against Cancer.
‘I think we’ve seen progress in how rugby is trying to grow,’ Hassell-Collins told Sportsmail.
‘It’s hard because sports like football and Formula 1 have obviously done it for years. We can’t expect to be like that overnight and it might take a few seasons to get there, but I think rugby definitely can.
‘I think there are more boys now doing their own thing. Look at someone like Joe Marler who is almost the face of rugby because of the way he is off the pitch.
‘I think as players we are able to express ourselves however we want to. With the way the world is going, it’s all about how you are off the pitch. Obviously you have to perform on it and put the team first, but at the same time building your own brand is important.’
