'Ambitions of the club match my own': Italy prop signs for Irish

London Irish have confirmed the signing of Italy international prop Danilo Fischetti from Zebre Parma. The 24-year-old will join the Exiles at Hazelwood for the start of the 2022/23 campaign, having spent four seasons with the URC side.

A London Irish statement read: “Earning his first international call-up in 2020, Fischetti, a recent regular of the Azzurri, has 20 international caps and has represented his home nation in three consecutive Six Nations tournaments.

“The loosehead prop has 41 Zebre appearances to date across the Challenge Cup, Rainbow Cup and United Rugby Championship, playing his part in notable wins against Dragons, Cheetahs, and Italian rivals Benetton Treviso. Fischetti lined up against future teammates Lucio Cinti and Juan Martín González in the autumn internationals.”

Facing Goliath | A story following Italy as they take on the mighty All Blacks | A Rugby Originals Documentary

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London Irish boss Declan Kidney said: “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.”

Fischetti added: “I can’t wait to get started at London Irish. 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.”