Currently away on international duty with the Azzurri, whom he qualifies for courtesy of his grandfather, the scrum-half made his Six Nations bow in last Saturday’s game against Wales in Cardiff.
Former England U20s international Callum Braley could make his Italy debut in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin.
Playing for 2 countries at Test level has been outlawed for some time but Six Nations highlights how changing allegiance still happens.
Franco Smith has named a squad largely similar to the group selected for the autumn international window, with the addition of six uncapped players.
English Championship club Hartpury have gradually become one the leading producers of talent with former players littered across Europe.
Zebre claimed bragging rights in the Italian derby with a 24-15 victory over Benetton in the Guinness Pro14.
Paul Boyle celebrated his first time captaining Connacht with a hat-trick of tries in their 31-14 Guinness PRO14 win over Benetton at the Sportsground.
Italy are on a horrible losing streak in the Six Nations and things won't get any easier with title-chasing England in Rome on Saturday.