Sisi’s set to seize his new chance with Italy

RENAISSANCE man David Sisi admits he can barely believe his stroke of good fortune after being summoned into Italy’s squad for the Six Nations.

A Junior World Cup winner with England U20s in 2013, versatile former London Irish and Bath forward Sisi looked set for big things in a senior Red Rose jersey after starring alongside the likes of Jack Clifford, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson and Henry Slade.

However, a series of injuries led to his career stalling and two years ago he found himself on loan at London Scottish with his future in some doubt.

Cue a move to Zebre in 2017 and, courtesy of an Italian father, the 25-yearold lock-cum-back row can now begin dreaming of a debut at full Test level. Sisi told The Rugby

Paper: “Two years ago, I was just coming back from shoulder rehab and if you told me I’d be in the position I am now, I’d have bitten your arm off.

“I needed something to change so I looked outside England and Italy has been my salvation.

“It’s been a big graft this season and we probably should have had more results go our way, but I’ve been happy with my performances.”

Italy are in need of a lift themselves after winning just six of 28 Tests since Conor O’Shea and Mike Catt took charge of Azzurri affairs in 2016. But with Benetton impressing in the PRO 14 and Zebre on an upward curve, Sisi is optimistic.