Zebre snap up Azzurri hooker

Experienced Italian hooker Carlo Festuccia has signed a two-year deal with new Pro12 outfit Zebre.

The 32-year-old who has been capped 53 times for Italy completes the new Italian franchise team's front row, bringing further experience to the Zebre scrum and increasing the number of Azzurri players who will take part in the Pro12 and Heineken Cup in the black-and-white jersey.

Zebre forwards coach Vincenzo Troiani said: "For a young and new side as Zebre Carlo's enormous experience is priceless. He won a ProD2 championship in France with Racing-Metro Paris, played Top14 and Heineken Cup rugby on regular basis and since 2003 he has been frequently part of the italian national team.

"He will be very important for our pack and he will contribute to the growth of two young, interesting hookers as Davide Giazzon and Andrea Manici," he added.

Festuccia commented: "I'm very happy I'll continue to play my rugby in Parma, a city I'm very grateful to both from sport and personal point of view. I can't wait to play Pro12 and Heineken Cup again.

"Last June I won a new selection for Italy after one year of absence, playing for Zebre I'll do my best to help coaches and teammates develop the team and to keep playing for Italy" he said.