Massimo Giovanelli

Nation: Italy
Place of Birth: Parma, March 1, 1967
Position: Flanker
Internationals: 60 caps between 1989 and 2000
Inducted: February 17, 2001

The following article has been adapted from the original by Dai Llewellyn, which focused on two players. It has been changed to highlight only the selected inductee’s information.

Massimo Giovanelli was forced to retire after suffering a serious eye injury in the famous victory over Scotland in Rome in 2000. It was his 60th cap.

“When we arrived for the World Cup I think everyone thought that the only thing that came out of Italy was pasta and pizza,” says the former flanker.

“We were accused of dirty play and cheating, but we played a good defensive game. And it was one of my proudest moments to play at Twickenham, which is the Mount Olympus of rugby.”

“It is like a dream to receive this honour,” he said of his inclusion on the Wall of Fame, whose intent is to underline rugby union’s global appeal.

Article by Dai Llewellyn