Zimbabwe-born back-row powerhouse Sebastian Negri has been included in Italy’s training squad ahead of the Autumn Nations series in Europe.
The Benetton Rugby ace will be eager to make an impression in the blue jersey again after his inclusion in the 35-man squad called up for a training camp in Verona from October 23 to 28.
The official Azzurri squad will be named on October 29 with Italy facing Samoa, Australia and South Africa on the following successive weekends.
The 27-year-old star, who was born in Marondera qualifies to represent the European country through his father, who is Italian.
Negri has to date earned 38 international caps with the Azzurri which includes appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
📣 Annunciati i 3⃣5⃣ Azzurri convocati per il primo raduno in preparazione delle @autumnnations 2022
Gli Atleti si ritroveranno a📍Verona dal 23 al 28 ottobre ➡ https://t.co/R4O81RvsBG#insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana pic.twitter.com/38KxfefkH2
— Italrugby (@Federugby) October 10, 2022
Barring any injuries, Negri is on course to feature in his second Rugby World Cup next year in France.
Negri was born in Marondera, Zimbabwe where he attended Springvale House for his early primary education before moving to South Africa, where he started building his career in rugby at Clifton Nottingham School.
He then went on a scholarship to Hilton College and ended up maturing through key experiences with the Natal Sharks and Western Province Academies at South African provincial level before moving to England to join Hartpury University.
Being one of a few talented international young prospects with Italian heritage, he initially featured for the European nation at Under-20 level before graduating to the senior side, where he has been a permanent feature since his international debut five years ago.
Despite representing Italy in international rugby, Negri still maintains a close connection with his country of birth and comes back home regularly to visit his parents who still stay in Zimbabwe.