Leicester Tigers’ new Italian signings have made an instant impact ahead of the new season, according to director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
Leonardo Ghiraldini, Michele Rizzo and Robert Barbieri joined the English side from Benetton Treviso over the summer, having all played a part in Italy’s RBS 6 Nations campaign in the spring.
And Cockerill says all of his recruits have made a positive impression on both his coaching team and their new teammates.
“Those guys come in, get their heads down and work hard, and they earn respect of their team-mates. They’re all doing that,” Cockerill told the club website.
“Ghiraldini, for instance, has more than 60 Test caps, has captained club and country, and he came in early and is in there working hard.
“You get respect of the team because of commitment to the cause.
“Those new guys are all good, they understand what we do. For now, it is about getting to know their team-mates and what makes us tick.”
Visit our official RBS 6 Nations Instagram page to follow all the best images from the Championship
