Wasps get an Italian sting

London Wasps have signed experienced Italy hooker Carlo Festuccia ahead of the new season.

Festuccia, capped 54 times by his country, will join fellow Italy international and close friend Andrea Masi as Wasps.

The pair grew up together in the city of L'Aquila and played there before becoming teammates again at Racing Metro, with Festuccia spending four seasons at the Paris club.

In 2011, Festuccia returned to Italy to join Aironi before becoming a Zebre player following the latter club's dissolution.

The 33-year-old hooker, who has appeared at two World Cups, will now compete for Wasps' No.2 shirt alongside Tom Lindsay and Neil Cochrane.

"I am delighted to join Wasps and test myself in a new environment," Festuccia said in a Wasps statement.

"I have played in the Pro12 [previously Celtic League] and the Top 14 and always wanted to compete in the English Premiership, so this is an exciting move for me."

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young added: "We needed to add another hooker to the squad because there is no way we could go an entire season with just two players in an important position like that."

Wasps, who finished eighth in the 12-team Premiership last term, begin the new campaign against capital rivals Harlequins as part of the 'London Double-Header' at Twickenham on Saturday that also sees London Irish playing Saracens.

AFP