Carlo was persuaded to join Wasps in 2013 by his childhood friend and fellow Italian international Andrea Masi, the pair quickly became popular members of the squad, with both fans and players, adding experience to an otherwise youthful group.
The former Italy and Zebre hooker, who previously made over 60 appearances for Wasps during his three seasons with the club, returned to provide injury cover until the end of the 2016/17.
Starting his career with his home club L’Aquila in 1998, Festuccia has played his domestic rugby in the Super 10, Pro 12, Top 14, Aviva Premiership, Amlin Challenge Cup, Heineken Cup, Challenge Cup and Champions Cup, donning the shirts of L’Aquila, Gran Parma, Racing 92, Aironi, Parma, Zebre Rugby and Wasps.
Wasps announce on the 4th May that Italian international Carlo Festuccia will retire at the end of the 2016/17 season, after an impressive 19-year career in professional rugby.
The 36-year-old hooker is a firm fans’ favourite, having made 68 appearances during his two stints with Wasps, after first linking up with the club in 2013.
Festuccia left for Zebre Rugby at the end of the 2015/16 season, but returned as injury cover in January of this year when he received a warm welcome back from the Wasps’ faithful.
Unfortunately, a hand injury sustained during Wasps’ A-League Semi Final against Gloucester means Festuccia will be unable to make a final appearance for Wasps before officially hanging up his boots.
Festuccia made an immediate impact for Italy on his debut in 2003, when he scored the winning try against Wales at Stadio Flaminio, in the first round of the 6 nations. He went on to represent the Azzurri 54 times and played in the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups.
(4/5/2017)
AC
Career
L'Aquila Hooker |
1998 - 2002 | |
GranDucato Parma Hooker |
2002 - 2007 | |
Racing 92 Hooker |
2007 - 2011 | |
Crociati Hooker |
2011 - 2012 | |
Zebre Parma Hooker |
2012 - 2016 | |
Italy Hooker |
2003 - 2016 | |
Wasps Hooker |
2013 - 2017 |