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Gori named captain for Italy’s summer tour

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Scrum-half Edoardo Gori says he is honoured to be named as captain for Italy’s tour of the Americas this summer by new head coach Conor O’Shea.

Scrum-half Edoardo Gori says he is honoured to be named as captain for Italy’s tour of the Americas this summer by new head coach Conor O’Shea.

The 26-year-old has 50 caps for the Azzurri having made his debut in 2010 against Australia and played three games in this year’s RBS 6 Nations before injury curtailed his Championship.

Gori will lead the Italians against Argentina on June 11 before matches against USA and Canada on June 19 and 26 respectively.

He said: “I am honoured to lead the national team and to represent Italian rugby at the highest level, especially during this tour that will take us through three countries.”

“Conor and I thank all the staff for the trust they have wanted to give me, and all the technicians who have believed in me over the years: I will work my best to repay them.

“I will give my all to live up to the role in these challenges that lie ahead.

“To start a new cycle, there is great enthusiasm and I look forward to working with the staff and to take the field with my teammates in the coming weeks.”

Gori takes over while 32-year-old Sergio Parisse, who led the Azzurri during the 2016 RBS 6 Nations tournament where they came sixth, is rested by the new coach.

O’Shea took over as head coach of the Italians earlier this month and has already said he wants to build the strongest ever Azzurri side.

“Edward is still young, but already has 50 caps to his credit,” he said.

“He’s a player highly respected in Italy and abroad, and the captaincy will add a new element to his game.

“I know William (Palazzani) and Alberto (Lucchese) will support him in the course of this tour, and I have no doubt he has all the qualities, on and off the field, to guide the team through an exciting and challenging tour.”