Invigorating the Italian Rugby Scene: The New Guinness Six Nations Squad - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Invigorating the Italian Rugby Scene: The New Guinness Six Nations Squad

4 mins read
italian rugby guinness six nations

The Italian rugby scene is getting a boost with the induction of Ross Vintcent, a vibrant No.8 from Exeter Chiefs, into the Guinness Six Nations squad. New coach Gonzalo Quesada recognizes the importance of the refreshed line-up and emphasizes the need to focus on essential game skills and defensive structures. The broad squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, setting an optimistic tone for Italian rugby’s future.

Invigorating the Italian Rugby Scene: The New Guinness Six Nations Squad. The Italian Guinness Six Nations squad experiences a robust boost with the induction of Ross Vintcent, the vibrant No.8 from Exeter Chiefs. The decision of his inclusion by Gonzalo Quesada, the freshly assigned coach, denotes the escalating influence of novel, uncapped players in the top tiers of the sport.

The Italian Guinness Six Nations squad, a beacon of talent and youthful energy, experiences a robust boost with the induction of Ross Vintcent, the vibrant No.8 from Exeter Chiefs. The decision of his inclusion by Gonzalo Quesada, the freshly assigned coach, denotes the escalating influence of novel, uncapped players in the top tiers of the sport.

Originally from Johannesburg, 21-year-old Ross Vintcent, a nimble and robust loose forward, has made quick strides in the sport. His journey commenced at the [Italian Rugby Federation Academy](https://capetown.today/argentinas-rugby-championship-journey-a-revamped-squad-takes-on-australia/), which provided him a strong foundation. The rapid advancement of his career is evident in his move to Exeter in 2022 from Zebre, his professional debut platform.

Vintcent’s extraordinary skills on the field are recognized by his association with the squad, where he collaborates with fellow back row player Alessandro Izekor and props Matteo Nocera, Luca Rizzoli, and Mirco Spagnolo. This array of fresh talent in the Azzurri’s pack signals the dawn of a revitalized era in Italian rugby. The dynamic back row group is entirely composed of uncapped players.

Setting a New Rhythm in Italian Rugby: Coach Gonzalo Quesada’s Perspective

In a conversation with Rugby Pass, Gonzalo Quesada recognized the importance of this refreshed line-up. He emphasized the need to concentrate on essential game skills and defensive structures, given the restricted preparation time. His appreciation for the coaching panel’s efforts in ensuring effective communication and knowledge sharing with the athletes was also notable.

The broad 34-player squad features prop positions commendably filled by Pietro Ceccarelli, Danilo Fischetti, Matteo Nocera, Luca Rizzoli, Mirco Spagnolo, and Giosuè Zilocchi. The expertise of Ceccarelli and Fischetti, with 31 and 36 caps respectively, is a valuable resource for their uncapped colleagues.

The hooker role, an essential scrum position, is taken by Gianmarco Lucchesi, Marco Manfredi, and Giacomo Nicotera. The combined experience of the trio, especially Lucchesi’s 17 caps, sets a solid groundwork for the team.

The second-row positions are strengthened by the presence of Niccolò Cannone, Edoardo Iachizzi, Federico Ruzza, and Andrea Zambonin. Cannone, possessing a remarkable 36 caps, is the most seasoned player in this category.

A Blending of Experience and Talent: The Squad Composition

The back row continues the integration of young talent and experienced players with Lorenzo Cannone, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri, Ross Vintcent, and Manuel Zuliani. Negri’s impressive tally of 52 caps provides invaluable experience to this segment of the team.

Scrum-halves Alessandro Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo, and Stephen Varney, along with fly-halves Tommaso Allan and Paolo Garbisi, form the critical core of the team. Allan, with his outstanding record of 79 caps, is the highest-capped player in the squad and is anticipated to play a pivotal role.

The centre positions are occupied by Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Federico Mori, and Marco Zanon, while the outside backs include Pierre Bruno, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Simone Gesi, and Lorenzo Pani. The mixture of experience levels in these positions indicates a balanced composition of seasoned players and emerging talent, setting an optimistic tone for Italian rugby’s future.

Italian Rugby: A New Chapter Begins

In summary, this rejuvenated Italian Guinness Six Nations squad marks a significant shift in the sport’s dynamics and acknowledges the emerging stars in the rugby cosmos. It signifies that Italian rugby is geared up to shine on the global stage with a robust blend of experience and fresh talent. As the saying goes, let the games begin!

1. Who is Ross Vintcent and what role does he play in the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad?

Ross Vintcent is a No.8 from Exeter Chiefs who has been included in the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad by new coach Gonzalo Quesada. He is a youthful and robust loose forward who has made quick strides in the sport.

2. What is Gonzalo Quesada’s perspective on the refreshed line-up of the Italian rugby team?

Gonzalo Quesada recognizes the importance of the refreshed line-up and emphasizes the need to focus on essential game skills and defensive structures, given the limited preparation time. He appreciates the coaching panel’s efforts in ensuring effective communication and knowledge sharing with the athletes.

3. Who are the experienced players in the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad?

Experienced players in the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad include prop positions players Pietro Ceccarelli and Danilo Fischetti, with 31 and 36 caps respectively, as well as hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi with 17 caps and fly-half Tommaso Allan with 79 caps.

4. Who are the emerging talents in the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad?

The Italian Guinness Six Nations squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The back row group is entirely composed of uncapped players, while the centre positions are occupied by Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Federico Mori, and Marco Zanon, and the outside backs include Simone Gesi and Lorenzo Pani.

5. What is the composition of the Italian Guinness Six Nations squad?

The Italian Guinness Six Nations squad features a broad 34-player squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. It includes players in prop, hooker, second-row, back row, scrum-half, fly-half, centre, and outside back positions.

6. What does the rejuvenated Italian Guinness Six Nations squad signify for Italian rugby?

The rejuvenated Italian Guinness Six Nations squad marks a significant shift in the sport’s dynamics and acknowledges the emerging stars in the rugby cosmos. It signifies that Italian rugby is geared up to shine on the global stage with a robust blend of experience and fresh talent, setting an optimistic tone for the future of Italian rugby.

Previous Story

Roland Mqwebu: A Legend Remembered

Next Story

The Ebb and Flow of Heavyweight Boxing: Joshua vs. Ngannou

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.