Giosué Zilocchi set to leave London Irish
Sport

Giosué Zilocchi set to leave London Irish

London Irish have confirmed the departure of Giosué Zilocchi from the Club upon the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

The prop will leave west London to link up with United Rugby Championship side Benetton Treviso, having signed on from fellow Italian team Zebre Parma towards the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.

The 16-cap Italian international suffered a long-term injury in the summer of 2022, and it currently remains unlikely that Zilocchi will play for the Club in the remainder of his time in the capital.

Declan Kidney, London Irish Director of Rugby, empathised with the situation of Zilocchi and valued the contribution the 26-year-old made in his time as an Exile.

“Unfortunately, Giosué’s time here was hampered by injury but on behalf of the Club, I wish him nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavours,” Kidney said.

“Despite him being unable to represent London Irish, he brought with him a fantastic attitude and a great personality in and around Hazelwood, and I am sure that will put him in good stead as his career progresses.”

Giosué Zilocchi praised the efforts of the Club in his rehabilitation and thanked the welcoming he received from fans.

“Unfortunately, my time with London Irish will come to an end this summer, but I will always be grateful for how the Club and its supporters have welcomed me as an ‘Exile’.

“The medical team have been very good at helping me through my injury, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be for me at Irish.

“I was very lucky to meet some fans at Hazelwood and at games, I believe Irish has the best following in the league and I feel they will be rewarded with success soon!”