Josh Furno is in no doubt that fellow Italy international Giovanbattista Venditti will prove a smash hit at Newcastle Falcons as the flyer prepares to make his debut for the club.
Both Furno and Venditti have set up camp in the north east for the rest of the season after Italy’s Rugby World Cup campaign ended in the pool stages.
Venditti will make his debut for the Falcons this weekend after signing from Zebre, and it’s arguably been the winger’s best calendar year to date.
He scored two tries for Italy at the 2015 RBS 6 Nations, including an effort in their thrilling victory over Scotland at BT Murrayfield, and Furno says his countryman is ready to light up Newcastle.
“Giamba is a big bloke, a powerful boy and he is really excited about being here,” Furno told the Evening Chronicle.
“It is his first experience outside of Italy in terms of playing his club rugby and I know he is really enjoying that challenge.
“Every time he talks to me he is excited by the whole thing and he is absolutely buzzing to be involved against Northampton.
“It is really positive for us that the club want us to be involved in the games straightaway. That is the main thing, and we are coming into it match-sharp.
“Having played four World Cup games and all the warm-up tests we are mentally and physically where we need to be.”
Click here to see the 2016 RBS 6 Nations fixtures
