Experienced Italian Carlo Festuccia has joined London Wasps from Pro12 side Zebre, it was announced today.
Starting his career with L’Aquila alongside Wasp centre Andrea Masi, the 54-times capped international hooker spent four seasons in the French Top14 with Racing Metro before returning to Italy to join Aironi in 2011 and the newly-formed Zebre last season.
The hooker has represented his country at two World Cups and will add important experience to the front row, where he will compete with Tom Lindsay and Neil Cochrane for the No.2 shirt.
He said: “I am delighted to join Wasps and test myself in a new environment. I have played in the Pro12 and the Top 14 and always wanted to compete in the English Premiership, so this is an exciting move for me.
“I played for one of the oldest and best known clubs in France when I was at Racing Metro so to come to England and play for one of the oldest and best known clubs in England will be a fantastic experience.”
London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “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.
“Nathan Morris has gone on loan at London Welsh because we felt as a young hooker it was better for his development so it’s a great bonus to bring in Carlo who has such strong experience. He’ll be training with the squad immediately.”