Paolo Odogwu pens new deal to stay in Italy

Italy centre Paolo Odogwu has signed a new deal with United Rugby Championship outfit Benetton until 2027.

The six-cap Italy international arrived at the Italian club at the beginning of the season after spending a short stint in the Top 14 with Stade Francais. He joined the Parisian club after Wasps went bust at the end of 2022.

After earning his first cap for the Azzurri last year, the former England U20 international has decided to stay in Italy for the foreseeable future.

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Odogwu, 26, is set to miss this year’s Guinness Six Nations championship and beyond after rupturing his Achilles in December, meaning he will also be unable to help Benetton continue with their strong start to the season, where they sit in second place in the URC.

After signing a new deal, Odogwu said (translated on Google): “I am very happy to have renewed the contract with Benetton Rugby for another three years. I’ve been feeling very comfortable since I arrived in Treviso and I’ve felt perfectly welcomed since the first day here, both by the team and the fans.

“We have a very strong team, a great group made up of the right mix of experienced players and young players on the rise. I feel that all together we are building something very important for the future and I want to be part of it.”

Benetton director of rugby Antonio Pavanello added: “We continue the announcements regarding contract extensions, making Paolo’s confirmation official for the next three sporting seasons. Odogwu is a flexible player, capable of covering both the centre and wing roles.

“Furthermore, in the matches played he had demonstrated considerable qualities in terms of explosiveness and physicality, both very important to make our attack dangerous.

“Unfortunately, the injury interrupted his ascent but we are sure that upon his return he will start making his contribution again as he has demonstrated his ability to do in recent months.”