Danilo Fischetti set to stay in Italy

Italy loosehead Danilo Fischetti has re-signed with Zebre for two more seasons extending his stay until June 30 2026.

After his time with the now defunct London Irish, Fischetti's return marks a significant boost for Zebre's ambitions.

The 26-year-old Roman, who grew up playing for Aprilia Rugby and Rugby Lanuvio before joining UR Capitolina and the "Ivan Francescato" National Academy.

Now with 51 Zebre caps and 39 for Italy, the 6'1, 112kg front rower started his career at 19 with Rugby Calvisano and quickly making a mark. Fischetti debuted for Italy in February 2020 and before becoming a regular within the Italian squad set-up under Franco Smith, Kieran Crowley and Gonzalo Quesada respectively.

Fischetti, who faced France in Lille yesterday in the third round of the Guinness Six Nations, commented on his contract renewal: "Zebre are a club I know very well. I arrived when I was 19 years old and grew up here. It is a team that is clearly growing, with important ambitions and goals. Seeing a future, competing to achieve it, is an aspect that stimulates me; hence the decision to extend my experience in Parma.

"I will continue to give 100 per cent, or rather more, to offer my contribution to the youngsters, the team and the club. I'm happy to be part of this project that reflects my ambitions: to grow as a player and as a person. This year I have seen a major effort from everyone. We qualified for the Challenge Cup playoffs; I expect to reach this goal again next year and to set ourselves ambitious goals in the championship as a team."