Ricky Riccitelli

Ricky Riccitelli is a New Zealand-born forward, born on 3 February 1995, who has carved out an international career with Italy. A hooker by trade, he came through the New Zealand system and gained early professional exposure before his path took him to Europe, where his eligibility and form opened the door to Test rugby with the Azzurri. He is a hard-working, physical presence in the front and back of the forward pack, the kind of busy operator who gets through a heavy defensive shift and competes hard at the breakdown. Now plying his trade in the French Top 14, he brings valuable international experience and a competitive edge to his squad, offering both depth and genuine quality in the tight five. Seasoned by his travels across the rugby world, he is the sort of dependable campaigner whose value lies as much in the standards he sets at training as in his contribution on matchday.