Italian born rugby union footballer Carlo Festuccia is one of the best of his generation. Born in June 1980 in L’Aquila, it was with his hometown’s side, L’Aquila Rugby, that he first started playing the game. After this he moved to Gran Rugby and kept on impressing all who saw him play. Playing for both sides he competed in the Super 10 tournament in Italy and was most often found in the hooker position in the pack, throwing in for line-outs and battling for the ball in the scrum. Of course, someone with such skills and presence on the pitch soon progressed through the ranks and went on the get full caps for his Italian national side. His first ever appearance for the Azzuri came in a tough game against Wales back in 2003. That same year he had the honour of being picked for the Italian squad that was heading to the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

In 2007, a change was in the air and Carlo Festuccia decided to make the move to play his domestic rugby in France. He did so by signing with Top 14 side Racing Métro 92, where he stayed as a key part of the team for the next four seasons. Festuccia then decided to go home and return to Italy, which he did in 2011 when he was signed by the Pro12 side Aironi. Just a couple of years later, still on top of his game, he was snapped up by English Premier League side London Wasps on 2nd September 2013.