Happy Rizzo ready for run-in

Leicester prop Michele Rizzo is thankful for an “almost unbelievable” year with the club since his recovery from a long-term injury.

Rizzo, who joined from Treviso ahead of 2014/15, suffered a knee injury playing for Italy and did not feature at all for the club in 2015/16.

Then a calf injury at the start of this season meant he didn’t play again until the Anglo-Welsh Cup home win over Northampton in January.

But now back in action and having earned back a place in the Italy squad, a pleased Rizzo recently inked a new deal at Welford Road.

“Rugby is incredible sometimes,” he told Leicester’s website. “It was not a good time for me last year with injury and then getting injured again early this season. But then I got back to fitness and started to play and I feel very good.

“Then I get a call back to the Italy squad and play in the Six Nations, and now I have a new contract with Leicester! I’m very happy.”

He added: “I had some offers but from the first moment I joined Leicester it feels like home.

“I have another contract and it is great to stay. It’s a privilege for me to play for this club. I am happy and my family is happy here.

“There are still big games to come this season and I’m looking forward to it.”