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'This is a brilliant move': London Irish sign Italy's Luca Morisi
By Liam Heagney
London Irish have bolstered their ranks with the signing of another Italian international, this time midfielder Luca Morisi from Benetton. It was just last week when the Gallagher Premiership club confirmed the capture of 24-year-old Test prop Danilo Fischetti from Zebre Parma for the 2022/23 season.
That announcement came just months after they added to their pack with the immediate effect signing in April of 25-year-old Italian prop Giosue Zilocchi from Zebre. It was last November when the 31-year-old Morisi won the last of his 36 Test caps.
A London Irish statement read: “Luca Morisi will join Declan Kidney’s set-up at Hazelwood this summer and bolster Irish’s options in midfield. The dynamic centre made his debut for the Azzurri in 2012 and has since represented them in four Guinness Six Nations campaigns and in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“In two appearances at Twickenham, Morisi has managed to cross the whitewash three times and famously registered a brace against England in the 2015 Six Nations, contributing to his four tries in 15 tournament appearances.
“His beginnings in rugby saw him come through the ranks of his local side Milano before continuing his development in northern Italy in his first professional Clubs, Grande Milano Rugby and Crociati Parma Rugby. Morisi spent time on loan with Benetton before a permanent switch to the Venetian side in 2012.”
London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney said: “Luca boasts a good amount of club and international experience, which can be a valuable asset to any squad. We look forward to seeing his impact, both on and off the field.”
Morisi added: “I’m very thankful to have this opportunity presented to me as it has always been an aspiration to play in England. I believe this is a brilliant move for myself and my family, and I can’t wait to prove myself to Declan and his staff.”
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Think we have to accept we have been on the slide for a while now.Still interesting to see the repeated media pieces about the myth of the ABs slipping-I would say slipped past tense.In part don’t we have to give credit for the improvement of other nations particularly Ireland?Isnt that good for the game?Are we beginning to feel the impact of losing the Boks from Super rugby and maybe soon TRC?I would agree we are also ran right now so will be interesting to see how we progress-assuming we do!Isnt that part of sport though to be in improvement mode?Back to the stats though I think the Boks were under 60% leading into 2019?Now with the focus on the RWC does it matter so much what you are doing between tournaments?You just get through your group(remembering the ABs qualified 2nd in 2023)and then you have 3 matches to win the thing.
Go to commentsThe ABs have more than enough back line guys so don’t see issue there. Just the balance at center and feel time for Rieko to sit out.Forwards- balance still not right. Front row ok but miss Codie. But still ok. Locks- you now need to start s a tall timber at middle of lineout- Darry is the right guy. Then move Sititi to 8, move Ardie to 7 and then move Vaai to blindside. He can become the closest to PSdT . Then have proper bench as this is not a demotion but key to dominating last 30 minutes- Patrick, Ofa etc are golden here. Get the balance right between starters and finishers
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