Bath sign ‘extremely valuable’ international forward with immediate effect

Bath have announced the signing of Italian international Hame Faiva, who joins the Premiership club with immediate effect.

The front-rower returns to the Premiership after representing Italy at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played three times for the Azzurri against France, New Zealand, and Namibia.

Hame Faiva’s experience

Faiva adds a wealth of experience in the front-row for Bath, having played for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Waikato in the NPC.

The 29-year-old Italian international also played for URC side Benetton before joining Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors in 2022.

“We’re glad to welcome Hame to our team. His experience in different environments is extremely valuable to our journey here,” Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said.

“I’m excited to see him play and add to the Blue, Black and White, specifically in the set-piece and contact areas.”

Faiva was a member of the New Zealand U20 sides in 2013 and 2014 and made his debut for Waikato in 2013.

In 2017, he played six times for the Blues before heading to Benetton and after over 50 appearances for the side and four years with the side, he became eligible for Italy.

He represented Italy A in October 2021 and later that month he was called into the senior side.

He made his Test debut against Uruguay and scored a try in the Azzurri’s 17-10 victory.

In 2022, he would make his Six Nations debut and was selected in the World Cup squad earlier this year.

Faiva will compete with the likes of Niall Annett, Tom Dunn, Max Pearce, Jasper Spandler, and John Stewart for the two hooker roles in the matchday 23.

Bath confirmed that he will join the club as of Monday, November 20 and will be readily available for selection.

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