Italian lock Del Fava signs for Newcastle

NEWCASTLE have announced the signing of Italy lock Carlo Del Fava. The 30-year-old, who has won 54 caps for the Azzurri and appeared in the last two World Cups, joins the Falcons after his previous club Aironi had their licence revoked by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) on financial grounds.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th May 2012, 05:05 BST

Del Fava, who has also had spells with Natal, Parma, Bourgoin, Ulster and Viadana, is the second lock to join Newcastle this week following the capture of Scotland international Scott MacLeod from Japanese club Kobe.

Del Fava said: “Newcastle Falcons are a club that is on the up and I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing in England.

“There are some exciting times ahead for the club, further strengthened by the appointment of Dean Richards as director of rugby.”