WASPS MAKE FIFTH SIGNING
WASPS have signed their fifth new player ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Having already claimed the signatures of Malakai Fekitoa (Toulon), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Ben Vellacott (Gloucester) and Jack Owlett (Exeter Chiefs), Dai Young had added Italian full-back Matteo Minozzi to his arrivals this summer.
With full-back options Elliot Daly and Willie le Roux leaving the Ricoh Arena club, director of rugby Young has recently stressed the need to recruit a top player for that position as well as a winger and a centre ahead of next season.
Despite being just 22 years of age, Minozzi has ten Test caps to his name and his sparkling performances for the Azzuri in 2018 saw him named in the Six Nations team of the tournament.
Unfortunately the Zebre player could not back-up his exploits in this year’s Six Nations due to him picking up a knee injury.
“Matteo has bags of promise and already at such a young age, he’s got plenty of international experience under his belt,” said Young.
“He was tremendous at last year’s Six Nations with four tries in five games, and it’s a shame we’re not going to see him in the tournament this year.
“No doubt when he recovers he will be playing at the World Cup – and hopefully he’ll be able to give Wasps fans a taste of what they’ll be seeing at the Ricoh next season.”
Minozzi will become the fifth Italian to play for Wasps in recent seasons. His international team-mate Michele Campagnaro made the switch from Exeter Chiefs last year, following in the footsteps of Carlo Festuccia, Lorenzo Cittadini and Andrea Masi – who remains on Wasps’ coaching staff.
“Having spoken with friends of mine at Wasps, they couldn’t speak highly enough of the club,” Minozzi said.
“It was an easy decision for me and I can’t wait to test myself in the Premiership at a fantastic club with lots of history.”
Since signing for Zebre in 2017, the 5ft 9in back has played 15 games for the Parma-based outfit across the Pro 14 and European Challenge Cup.
His 2018/19 season was just 18 minutes old in August when he suffered a serious knee injury against Southern Kings in Pro 14 round one. Since making his international debut in 2017, Minozzi has appeared at full-back, wing and centre for his country.