'Brainiest' name in rugby handed big chance with URC club

Zebre have secured the signature of Colorno winger Albert Einstein Batista for the 2025/26 season.

Batista, who turns 25 tomorrow, is a former Italy U20 international and has also played in Rugby Europe events for the Italian 7s team.

“Albert is a player that we have seen at work with interest in the top league and who has already had the opportunity to touch the environment of the franchise,” said Zebre’s head coach, Massimo Brunello.

“He has shown great progress in recent seasons and his dynamic and eclectic profile fits perfectly with the type of game we want to express. He brings quality, unpredictability and a great desire to test himself. We are happy to welcome him to our group.”

Batista, who played in the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship, is enthusiastic about joining the franchise: “Becoming a permanent part of the Zebre squad for the coming season represents a fundamental step in my career. It’s a great opportunity to continue to grow and compete with an even higher level of play. I can’t wait to give my contribution to the team and to fully experience this challenge,” he said.

He is Zebre’s third confirmed signing of the summer, after back-row David Odiase from Oyonnax and Giulio Bertaccini, a centre from Valorugby Emilia.